Pink Fawn Lily Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink'
ABOUT
The plant Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink', commonly known as the dog's-tooth violet or the trout lily, has a striking and hardy appearance. It boasts a set of glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are mottled with various shades of green and bronze, creating an attractive marbled effect. Emerging from this foliage in the flowering season are elegant stems, each one gracefully arching under the weight of a single bloom. The flowers themselves are a delicate sight. They have a charming, recurved shape, with petals that sweep back exuberantly, reminiscent of a turk's cap lily. Each petal is soft pink in hue, fading to a paler pink or almost white near its base, creating a gradient of pink tones. In the center of the bloom is a delicate cluster of yellow-colored stamens, which add a subtle contrast to the flower's overall pastel palette. The charm of 'Knightshayes Pink' is not solely in its blooms. Its leaves also contribute to its ornamental value throughout the growing season, even when the plant is not in flower. This variety of the dog's-tooth violet is cherished for its beauty and the splash of color it brings to woodland settings, shade gardens, or naturalized areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Pink Fawn Lily, Pink Trout Lily, Pacific Pink Dog's-tooth Violet.
Common names
Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Erythronium, commonly known as dog's-tooth violet, is not typically considered toxic to humans. However, caution is always advised as sensitivity varies from person to person. If large quantities were ingested, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset. It is advisable not to consume any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for unknown reactions or the presence of various compounds that could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or more severe symptoms in rare cases.
To pets
The Erythronium, commonly known as dog's-tooth violet, is not widely recognized as toxic to pets. However, just like with humans, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and it's always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption. If a pet does ingest a significant amount of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink', commonly known as pink fawn lily, produces attractive pink flowers that add a splash of color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Blossoms: As an early spring bloomer, it provides one of the first bursts of color after the winter, signaling the start of the new growing season.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is well-suited for shaded areas in gardens where many other flowering plants might not thrive, offering versatility in landscaping.
- Naturalizing: Over time, pink fawn lilies can spread and naturalize in an area, creating large swathes of color with minimal maintenance.
- Companion Planting: They work well when planted alongside other shade-loving perennials, helping to create diverse and layered garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Their distinctive mottled leaves provide textural and visual interest before and after the flowering season, contributing to their value in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink', commonly known as pink fawn lily, can be used in shaded rock gardens to provide a splash of color in the early spring with its unique pink flowers.
- The plant's leaves can sometimes be used in floral arrangements to add a lush, green background before they die back later in the season.
- Due to their delicate appearance, pink fawn lilies can be used in woodland themed gardens to create a 'fairy garden' aesthetic.
- Artists and photographers may utilize the picturesque blooms of the pink fawn lily as subjects in their botanical art or as focal points in garden photography.
- Pink fawn lilies can be planted to mark the change of seasons in a garden, as they are one of the earliest blooms signaling the arrival of spring.
- In educational settings, pink fawn lilies can be included in botany courses to teach students about bulb propagation and growth cycles in plants.
- Cultivars like 'Knightshayes Pink' are often showcased in botanical gardens for plant enthusiasts to enjoy and study due to their rare color variation.
- The bulbs of pink fawn lilies can be used in trade among gardeners who specialize in cultivating rare or unusual plants.
- Some landscape designers use the pink fawn lily as a living indicator for areas with high-quality, undisturbed soil in conservation and restoration projects.
- In culinary events, the aesthetic appeal of the plant might be used to inspire the plating and presentation of dishes, though the plant itself is not for consumption.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dog's Tooth Violet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dog's Tooth Violet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty in solitude: As Erythronium revolutum, commonly known as Pink Fawn Lily, often grows in quiet woodland areas, it symbolizes the beauty that can be found in solitude and peaceful environments.
- Delicacy: With its delicate pink petals, the Pink Fawn Lily represents fineness and grace, reminding us of the fragile nature of life and relationships.
- Emergence: The Pink Fawn Lily blooms in early spring, symbolizing emergence and the awakening of new life after a period of dormancy.
- Rarity: As a variety like 'Knightshayes Pink' is relatively rare and sought after by gardeners, it can symbolize uniqueness and the value of rarity in nature.
WaterPink Fawn Lilies should be watered regularly during their growing season in the spring, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water them with about 1 gallon per week, checking the soil moisture level frequently as conditions like temperature and humidity can affect how quickly the soil dries out. After blooming, and throughout the dormant summer period, reduce watering significantly as the bulbs are resting and excess moisture can cause rot.
LightPink Fawn Lilies thrive in dappled sunlight, mimicking the light conditions of their natural woodland habitats. The best spot for them is under a canopy of deciduous trees where they can receive bright, indirect light in the morning with partial shade during the intense afternoon sun. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and flowers of the Pink Fawn Lily.
TemperaturePink Fawn Lilies are hardy and prefer temperate climates with ideal growing temperatures ranging between 50°F to 70°F. They can survive brief periods of colder weather, but sustained temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. They can tolerate a maximum temperature up to about 75°F, beyond which protective measures should be taken to ensure they do not overheat.
PruningPruning Pink Fawn Lilies is generally not necessary except for removing spent flowers to tidy the plant and potentially encourage a second, though less vigorous, bloom. The best time to do this is immediately after the flowers fade. Avoid cutting back the foliage until it has died back naturally, as the leaves are essential for gathering energy for the next season’s growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Pink Fawn Lily, which is the common name for Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink', should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of leaf mold, garden loam, and coarse sand in equal parts can create an ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingPink Fawn Lily bulbs should be repotted or divided every 3-5 years. It's best to repot them in the fall after the leaves have died back, as they are dormant at this time.
Humidity & MistingPink Fawn Lily thrives in moderate humidity conditions typical of woodland habitats. They do not require excessively high humidity, so aim for a relative humidity around 50% which reflects their natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Pink Fawn Lily in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, moist, rich soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleErythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink', commonly known as the Pink Fawn Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed, which once dispersed, germinates in favorable soil conditions. The seed develops into a bulb, which is the primary storage organ, and from it, a seedling emerges, typically in the fall or early spring. Through the spring, leaves unfold and photosynthesis allows the plant to grow and mature. The Pink Fawn Lily then blooms, producing distinctive pink flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination and fertilization, seed capsules form and eventually release seeds into the environment, starting the cycle over again. The plant goes through a period of dormancy during the summer months, retracting into the bulb until conditions are suitable for the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for Erythronium revolutum 'Knightshayes Pink', commonly known as the pink fawn lily, involves dividing its bulbs. The optimal time to do this is in late summer, after the leaves have died back, but before the ground has become too hard. Carefully dig around the bulb clusters, lifting them out of the ground with as little disturbance as possible. Gently separate the bulbs, ensuring each division has at least one growing point. Replant these divisions immediately at a depth of about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) and a distance of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs to help them establish. This propagation by division helps to maintain the specific characteristics of 'Knightshayes Pink', ensuring the new plants will bear the same beautiful flowers as the parent.
