Trout Lily or Pink Fawn Lily
Erythronium revolutum, commonly called Pink Fawn Lily or Trout Lily, is a graceful spring-blooming bulb native to the moist woodlands of the Pacific Northwest and California. With its nodding pink flowers and beautifully mottled leaves, it brings soft elegance to shaded gardens, borders, and containers.
Flowering later than most erythroniums, it is particularly valued for extending the spring bloom season and for its pollinator-friendly flowers, loved by early bees. A perfect fit for woodland-style planting, it thrives under deciduous trees, where spring sunshine filters through before the canopy fills in.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Erythronium revolutum |
| Common Names | Pink Fawn Lily, Trout Lily |
| Plant Type | Woodland bulbous perennial |
| Height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in.) |
| Flower Color | Soft to deep pink |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Foliage | Green with mottled brown-fawn markings |
| Light | Part shade; morning sun preferred |
| Soil | Humus-rich, moist, well-draining |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 5–8 |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees and early pollinators |
| Container Friendly | Yes – ideal in small clusters |
| Notable Trait | Late emerging; very shade-tolerant |
How To Grow Erythronium revolutum – Care and cultivation
Although sometimes called a gardener’s “collector’s bulb,” E. revolutum is surprisingly easy if planted in the right conditions. Once settled, it naturalizes gracefully, rewarding patience with ever-increasing spring displays.
Planting & Soil Preparation
- Planting time: Autumn, during bulb dormancy.
- Soil preparation: Work in compost, aged manure, or leaf mold 3–4 weeks before planting.
- Drainage: Vital—never allow bulbs to sit in soggy soil.
- Position: Filtered shade to morning sun, sheltered from heat.
Seasonal Care
- Spring (growth + bloom): Fertilize fortnightly with a mild liquid feed (e.g., seaweed) and maintain even soil moisture.
- Summer (dormancy): Allow foliage to yellow naturally. Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Use mulch to regulate temperature.
- Autumn (planting & dividing): Lift and split congested clumps if needed, and plant back into refreshed soil.
Growing Conditions Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Part shade, dappled woodland conditions |
| Soil | Moist, humus-rich, light but well-drained |
| Watering | Consistent in growth; reduced during dormancy |
| Fertilizer | Organic liquid tonic in spring |
| Depth | 5–8 cm (2–3 in.) |
| Spacing | 10–15 cm (4–6 in.) |
| Climate | Prefers cool summers; dislikes heat |
| Maintenance | Low; thrives undisturbed |
How to Grow Erythronium from Seed – 5 Key Steps
- Collect or Source Fresh Seed
- Harvest seeds in late spring to early summer when the seed pods split naturally.
- Use fresh seed for best germination – viability drops quickly if dried or stored long-term.
- Sow Immediately or Cold Stratify
- Best practice: Sow seeds immediately after harvest in deep trays or pots.
- If delayed, cold stratify for 8–10 weeks at 2–4°C (36–39°F) to break dormancy.
- Use a Woodland-Style Mix
- Fill pots with a free-draining, humus-rich compost (e.g., loam + leaf mold + grit).
- Sow thinly on the surface and lightly cover with fine grit or compost.
- Germination Conditions
- Place pots in a cool, shaded spot outdoors (cold frame or sheltered area).
- Germination typically occurs in early spring—can take up to 12 months.
- Patience is Key
- Seedlings resemble grass at first and may take 3–5 years to flower.
- Transplant only after a couple of years, once bulbs have developed.
Design Ideas & Planting Uses
- Woodland beds: Plant under deciduous trees where early light reaches.
- Companion planting: Perfect with Trilliums, Hellebores, Solomon’s Seal, and ferns.
- Containers: Plant in shallow woodland-style troughs, grouped for natural effect.
Related Species
- Erythronium helenae – Cream to yellow petals with reddish markings.
- Erythronium multiscapoideum – Multi-stemmed with delicate pale blooms.
Expert Growing Tips
- Mulch with leaf mold to mimic woodland soils.
- Avoid disturbing bulbs—leave them to naturalize.
- Protect tender new growth from slugs and snails in spring.
- For hot climates, plant in the coolest, shadiest garden nook and ensure soil never dries completely.
When is the best time to plant Erythronium revolutum bulbs?
Plant in autumn, during the dormant period, at a depth of 5–8 cm in humus-rich, well-draining soil.
Does Pink Fawn Lily do well in containers?
Yes. It performs beautifully in shallow woodland-style pots or troughs, especially when bulbs are grouped in clusters of 10–15 for impact.
Can I grow Erythronium revolutum in warm climates?
It grows best in cool, moist summers. In warmer regions, success is possible if planted in very shaded, cool spots with mulched soil kept lightly moist.
Erythronium revolutum are available for sale from the following nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au