Pink Fawn Lily
erythronium revolutum
Also known as: ["Fawn Lily","Mountain Dogtooth Violet"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its nodding, pinkish-lavender flowers and mottled foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium revolutum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, acidic to neutral soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead foliage in fall or winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sun or dappled light; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in a location with filtered light or morning sun only.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to dappled light
Use shade cloth if needed; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings during dormancy.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix of loam, peat, and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; mulch with pine needles or bark.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; ideal range 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in warm weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leaf burn; apply before new growth emerges; stop in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs when dormant.
- Clean and replant at proper depth.
- Sow seeds in a seed tray and keep moist and cool.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall; sow seeds in fall for natural stratification.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity for seeds; well-drained soil for bulbs.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 seasons; seeds may take 2–3 years to germinate and flower.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, seed trays, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; cold stratify seeds for better germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim yellowing leaves carefully.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb energy storage.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; avoid cutting into bulb or healthy leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at twice their own depth in fresh, well-draining mix.
Suggestions
Repot only if bulbs become overcrowded or soil quality declines; every 3–4 years is typical.
Checklist
Check bulb health; use fresh soil; ensure proper depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply but does not pool; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during active growth (spring) to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in summer dormancy; increase slightly in fall if rainfall is low.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure pH is within preferred range.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration, or stunted growth in extreme heat; mold or rot in excessive cold or dampness.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage if temperatures drop below freezing; increases susceptibility to fungal infections.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with a cold frame or frost cloth; ensure good air circulation.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or dormancy; reduced flowering; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid during dormancy; dilute liquid fertilizers.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute to half strength if using liquid fertilizer; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicErythronium revolutum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicErythronium revolutum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicErythronium revolutum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Erythronium revolutum?
A: Propagation is typically done by seed or division of bulbs in late summer or early fall.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Pink Fawn Lily?
A: It thrives in partial shade, moist but well-drained soil, and cooler climates.
Q: Does Erythronium revolutum require special care?
A: It benefits from mulching to retain moisture and protect the bulbs from extreme temperatures.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to dappled light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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