How to Grow Trout Lilies

Trout lily (Erythronium albidum), also called fawn lily or dogtooth violet, is a plant that blooms in early spring. It grows 5 to 12 inches tall at maturity. The small plant produces one to three nodding flowers from a slender corm that resembles a dog’s fang. The University of Arkansas Extension reports that there are 20 species of trout lilies, with flowers in shades of yellow, white and violet. Trout lilies spread by underground runners, or stolons, that extend from the mother plants, producing tiny colonies. The herbaceous perennials thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8.

Shovel
Humus
Dried leaves or compost
Garden fork
Sharp, sterilized knife (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the trout lily corms in well-draining, mildly acidic soil with partial shade exposure in early to mid fall. If desired, enrich the soil with shovelfuls of humus prior to planting. Push each corm 3 inches deep, spaced 4 to 5 inches apart.
- 2
  Irrigate the soil every 10 days until it is evenly moist. The perennials thrive in soil that remains moderately dry to evenly moist. However, allowing the soil to dry out completely adversely affects flowering.
- 3
  Mulch the plants in the winter and spring with dried leaves or compost. The perennials thrive on rotting compost commonly found in woodlands, their native habitat. Mulching also prevents weed infestations and keeps the roots cool.
- 4
  Divide the plants every three to four years, when the colonies feature more leaves and fewer flowers. Remove the corm from the soil with a garden fork. Twist the corm with your hand, or cut the new corms, called cormels, with a sharp, sterilized knife. Replant the corm in the planting hole, and transplant the cormels to other parts of the yard.

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