Also known as Trout Lily · 201 saves
Erythronium
Erythronium, the genus most gardeners know as trout lily. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Erythronium varieties
6 species of Erythronium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Erythronium in Sow
Save the Erythronium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Erythronium
Whats common across all Erythronium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Erythronium year
- PlantSeptember–November90% of varieties
Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep in well-drained soil during fall dormancy
- DivideJuly80% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years during summer dormancy
- MulchNovember and December70% of varieties
Apply a top-dressing of leaf mold or organic compost to mimic natural forest floor conditions.
- FertilizeMarch and April40% of varieties
Apply a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer as foliage appears
Do
- Water consistently during active growth 🌱
- Remove dead leaves to prevent disease
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Use organic fertilizer in early spring
- Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally in late spring to replenish the underground corm.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Don’t disturb bulbs during dormancy
- Avoid excessive fertilization which can cause legginess
- Do not cut back green foliage prematurely before summer dormancy begins.
What goes wrong with Erythronium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and flower stems | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Deer | Chewed foliage and missing flower scapes in early spring. | Install physical barriers or wire cages over emerging clumps if browsing pressure is high. |
| Rabbits | Cleanly clipped leaves and stems near ground level. | Protect vulnerable early spring growth with temporary netting or repellent sprays. |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs with foul smell | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Gray mold | Fuzzy gray fungal growth on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Yellowing foliage prior to natural dormancy, mushy corms, and plant collapse. | Ensure soil is well-drained and avoid planting in low-lying, waterlogged areas. |
Making more Erythronium
Division
- Dig up bulbs after foliage dies back, in late summer or early fall.
- Gently separate offsets using a sharp knife or hands.
- Plant divisions 3 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch lightly.
- Wait for new growth in spring, approximately 6 weeks.
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after seed pods mature in late spring.
- Sow seeds on soil surface in a shaded container.
- Mist lightly to keep moist.
- Keep container in a cool, shaded place for 6-8 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings once established.
Erythronium questions
How many types of Erythronium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Erythronium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 201 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Erythronium grow in?
Across its varieties, Erythronium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Erythronium bloom?
Most Erythronium varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Erythronium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.