Erythronium dens-canis Lilac Wonder

Erythronium dens-canis 'Lilac Wonder' is a small bulbous plant that is still relatively unknown to gardeners despite its many advantages. Its green leaves marbled with brown are charming, but its highly aesthetic flowering is particularly appealing. In the heart of spring, short floral stems appear, topped with a gracefully forward-leaning flower, with mauve-lilac petals curved upwards, contrary to the stamens and pistil. Resistant to cold, this dog's tooth violet thrives in semi-shade, in rich, well-drained soil that is not too dry. Planting in groups will create a particularly ornamental mass effect.

Erythronium dens-canis belongs to the Liliaceae family, like lily of the valley, tulip, or lily. This rather unknown genus is nevertheless rich in 27 species, almost all of them American except for 3 Asian and this indigenous "dog's tooth" in Europe. This surprising name comes from the shape of the bulb, which resembles a canine tooth. This plant is from the undergrowth. It thrives in humiferous, rich, light, moist soils that are either acidic, neutral or without excess limestone. It does not like being waterlogged. Erythronium dens-canis, of European mountain origin, does not appreciate heatwaves or long, very dry summers.

'Lilac Wonder' is a beautiful hybrid that has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society. It reaches approximately 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in height and 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) in width. The plant forms two leaves from spring, from which a flower stem emerges a few centimetres above. The thick leaves are somewhat soft and somewhat 'greasy'. They are oval to oblong, lanceolate, and sheathing at the base. The lamina is dark green, shiny, and marbled with brown, resembling that of the Early Purple Orchid. From April to May, fine reddish-brown flower stems appear, gracefully curved downwards at the tip. Each stem bears a solitary flower, hanging towards the ground, with 6 recurved petals, revealing 6 long violet anthers that stretch towards the ground, contrary to the petals. This sculptural flower morphology can also be found in cyclamen, a member of another botanical family (Primulaceae). In this hybrid, the petals have a beautiful mauve-lilac hue, with a central macule that is more or less yellow, bordered by a purplish edge.

The foliage dries up during summer, corresponding to the bulb's dormant period. The flowering is followed by the formation of small black and ochre seeds, which fall near to the plant and are exclusively dispersed by ants.

This bulbous plant grows in a wide variety of soils (pH 4.5 to 7.5) except for those that are truly limestone, and requires moisture. The bulb does not tolerate drought. It will easily naturalise if the location suits it well. In summer, a layer of straw will prevent water evaporation and maintain slight humidity.

Due to the disturbance of its habitat, and perhaps also the covetousness of rare plant enthusiasts, this dog's tooth violet has become quite rare in nature. It has given rise to beautiful horticultural forms, such as 'Lilac Wonder', which are quite difficult to find in commerce. Plant it in large numbers, at the edge of deciduous trees, to achieve an interesting visual effect and associate it with other plants that share the same requirements. Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum), with its striking stature and small white flowers in clusters, is perfect as a background. Caucasian Forget-Me-Not (Brunnera macrophylla), with its kidney-shaped leaves, produces charming blue flowers at the same time as erythronium. To vary the styles and enjoy sophisticated flowering in a wide range of colours, add a few plants of Epimedium, a delightful little perennial that is well-suited to partial shade. Finally, to extend the flowering season into summer, plant Ajuga reptans 'Rosea', a creeping bugle with pink flowers.