What hardiness zones is Erythronium 'Pagoda' suitable for?

Erythronium 'Pagoda' is a hybrid fawn lily, growing 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) tall and 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) wide. Sulfur-yellow nodding flowers 2 inches (5 cm) with strongly recurved (swept-back) petals — 5–10 flowers per stem, more than the 1–3 flowers per stem typical of species like E. revolutum and E. oregonum. A hybrid of E. tuolumnense (from the Sierra Nevada foothills of California) and possibly E. revolutum or another species. More vigorous and faster-multiplying than most Erythronium species — the most widely available fawn lily in the nursery trade. Glossy green basal leaves 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) with faint brown mottling. In the lily family (Liliaceae). Spring ephemeral: the foliage emerges in early spring, flowers in mid-spring, and the entire above-ground plant disappears by early summer as the deeply buried elongated corm goes dormant. The corms produce offset bulbs (daughter corms), forming expanding clumps over years — faster vegetative multiplication than seed-grown species. Plant the corms 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep immediately upon purchase — the corms desiccate rapidly if exposed to air (they have no papery protective tunic). Partial shade. Acidic humus-rich soil. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4–9. Growth rate is moderate (for an Erythronium).

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin — parentage includes E. tuolumnense (California, USA) and possibly E. revolutum (Pacific Coast).

Suggested Uses

Grown in woodland gardens in zones 4–9. The most available and vigorous fawn lily. Spring ephemeral — interplant with ferns and later perennials. Plant corms immediately (no storage). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by sulfur-yellow nodding flowers with recurved petals, 5–10 per stem, above glossy mottled basal leaves. The yellow flower color, the higher flower count per stem, and the greater vigor distinguish 'Pagoda' from pink-flowered E. revolutum and white-flowered E. oregonum. Spring ephemeral.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'2"

Width/Spread4" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Mid-spring (April–May), lasting 1–2 weeks. Sulfur-yellow nodding flowers, 5–10 per stem. Spring ephemeral — all foliage disappears by early summer. More floriferous than species.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Sulfur-yellow with recurved (swept-back) petals, nodding

Foliage Description

Glossy green with faint brown mottling, basal, elliptical, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years from bulb

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Partial shade. Acidic humus-rich well-draining soil. Plant corms 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep immediately (desiccate rapidly in air). Spring ephemeral — dormant underground June–March. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–9.

Pruning

No pruning. Allow foliage to yellow naturally as the corm enters dormancy. Do not remove green foliage prematurely.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic