Cultivation

Most erythroniums are straightforward to grow if planted in dappled shade and light but humus-rich soil. Some of the smaller species, such as . , which only grows to about 10cm, can be swamped by surrounding plants so be careful where you place the bulbs. It helps that . flowers early, only beaten by . , when there is little else above ground in the last days of winter. The stars of the genus that originate from western North America usually reach around 30cm tall and most are strong enough to make their own space in a border. They flower in mid spring and can form vigorous clumps full of blooms.