DOG’S TOOTH VIOLETS...

Press, Volume C, Issue 29435, 10 February 1961, Page 9

DOG’S TOOTH VIOLETS...

These attractive little bulbs are relatives of neither the violet or of any of the numerous breeds of dog. They get their name from fanciful resemblances to the violet flower, and, in the bulb of one species, to the long yellow canine tooth of a dog. The botanical name, Erythronium, is derived from the Greek for “red,” the flower colour of the first discovered species. Bulbs are now being offered in the shops, and if you are interested in slightly out-of-the-way plants they're well worth a trial.

For the rock garden, the front of mixed borders, and for naturalising they are well adapted. Some of the sorts available also have quite attractive marbled leaves which add considerably to their beauty. They are not difficult to grow, and some increase quite freely, so that a clump of three or four quickly becomes a dozen or more. A light and loamy soil,

preferably with a little shade is ideal.

The flower colours are quite varied, according to the species being grown; white, cream, yellow, purple, lilac, and delightful shades of pink and rose are all available. Quite a number of excellent hybrids have been raised in America in recent years. Incidentally, in that country, the native home of most species, they are called “Trout Lilies.” Whether this is due to the fancied resemblance of the marbled leaves to the fish, or to their habitat along the banks of woodland streams. I have been unable to find out. There are five of the commoner species; take your pick, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. E. ealifomicum, the plant illustrated above, is the tallest of them all, growing to 18 inches tall. The flowers are creamy-white, with fin orange base, and it has marbled leaves.

E. citrinum is often confused with this species, but is only half its size. E. dens-canls, the true “Dog’s Tooth Violet,” is only six inches tall, has marbled leaves, and purplish flowers. The variety best known in New Zealand is “Roseum.” E. revolutum is a moat variable type, so that many selected forms have been introduced. “White Beauty" is offered, but the rare “Pink Beauty” is well worth seeking. E. tuolnmnense is the most robust and free - increasing. Flowers—like all the species—are produced in. September and October, and are deep, bright yellow, whilst the leaves are bright lustrous green. Height is up to 12 inches. Bulbs will cost from Is fid to 3s each, according to the sort you buy.