Erythronium dens-canis Snowflake

Erythronium dens-canis 'Snowflake' is a small bulbous plant native to the clear undergrowth of mountainous areas. It is little known to modern gardeners, despite its charm and cold resistance. It boasts a bright and delicate spring flowering, which takes the form of pendulous white flowers with violet stamens, tinged with purple and yellow in the throat. It is even more spectacular when planted in groups, or with other spring bulbs or perennials. To succeed in its cultivation, plant it in partial shade, in humus-rich, well-draining soil that is not too dry. 

Erythronium dens-canis belongs to a genus that includes about 27 species distributed worldwide. All these plants belong to the Liliaceae family, just like lilies. They are from the undergrowth and thrive in humiferous, rich, light, moist but not waterlogged, acidic, neutral or not excessively calcareous soils. Erythronium dens-canis, of European mountain origin, does not appreciate heatwaves or long dry summers.

'Snowflake' is a little slow to establish and its bulb does not like to be disturbed or kept dry for too long. In spring, the plant forms two leaves from which a flower stem emerges. The stem will not exceed 15cm (6in) in height. The somewhat soft and 'fleshy' thick leaves are ovate to oblong in shape, lanceolate, and sheathing at the base. The glaucous green lamina is shiny and somewhat marbled with purple or brown. In March-April, reddish-brown flower stems appear, each carrying a solitary flower hanging towards the ground, with 6 recurved petals, revealing 6 long violet anthered stamens. The white bulb is cylindrical, pointed and curved at one end, somewhat like a large canine tooth. For this reason, erythroniums are sometimes called 'dog's teeth'. The foliage dries up during summer, which corresponds to the bulb's resting period. The flowering is followed by the formation of small black and ochre seeds that will be exclusively dispersed by ants.  

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 'Snowflake', which are quite difficult to find in commerce. The bulbs are only available for a very short period. It is a charming plant, which you should plant as soon as you receive your order, as the bulbs do not like to be out of the ground for too long. It is an undemanding plant that settles quietly in the garden and naturalises when its happy. It is best to leave the bulbs in place. They will flower for many years if you provide them with a place in the undergrowth, under deciduous trees, or near an east-facing wall, in soil that does not excessively dry out. In summer, a layer of straw will prevent water evaporation and maintain a slight humidity. Plant 'Snowflake' with wood hyacinths (Scilla nutans), Anemone blanda or A. coronaria, liverworts, primroses or ranunculus that appreciate the same environments. You can also plant the bulbs in a pot, keeping the substrate always slightly moist, even in summer when the plant is dormant.