Greencombe Erythronium in April

As winter’s grip slackens, the whereabouts of dog’s-tooth violets is shrouded beneath the sombre soil, a secret only shared when the distinctive tongue-shaped leaves are tempted forth by spring sunshine. Soon after, slender buds emerge and unscroll to reveal enchanting flowers, their heads held high on upright stems to dance in the breeze, as if in greeting.

For such petite plants, dog’s-tooth violets have a powerful presence, injecting great charm into woodland gardens or at the front of borders where dappled shade plays. These hardy perennial bulbs are members of the Erythronium family which includes about 22 different species that flower from early spring until early summer. Standing between 10cm and 40cm tall, Erythronium americanum is one of the smallest, whilst the tallest Erythronium ‘Pagoda’