Troubleshooting
Pagoda Fawn Lily problems — and how to fix them
Pagoda Fawn Lily (Erythronium 'Pagoda') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Corm desiccation in storage or transit
Even this vigorous cultivar is highly vulnerable to corm desiccation. Never purchase dry, shrivelled corms. Plant as soon as possible after purchase, or store temporarily in barely damp horticultural sand. Plant 10–12 cm deep in well-prepared, moistened soil.
Congestion reducing flower numbers
'Pagoda' spreads vigorously and clumps can become congested after five to seven years, leading to reduced flower size and number. Lift and divide during summer dormancy every five to seven years, replanting daughter corms immediately.
Slugs on emerging foliage
The mottled emerging leaves are attractive to slugs in early spring. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around the planting area as shoots appear, or use copper-ring barriers. Repeat after heavy rain. Damage to foliage reduces the plant's ability to build up energy reserves in the corm.
Prevent pagoda fawn lily problems before they start
Most pagoda fawn lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Pagoda Fawn Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my pagoda fawn lily corm desiccation in storage or transit?
Even this vigorous cultivar is highly vulnerable to corm desiccation. Never purchase dry, shrivelled corms. Plant as soon as possible after purchase, or store temporarily in barely damp horticultural sand. Plant 10–12 cm deep in well-prepared, moistened soil.
Why is my pagoda fawn lily congestion reducing flower numbers?
'Pagoda' spreads vigorously and clumps can become congested after five to seven years, leading to reduced flower size and number. Lift and divide during summer dormancy every five to seven years, replanting daughter corms immediately.
Why is my pagoda fawn lily slugs on emerging foliage?
The mottled emerging leaves are attractive to slugs in early spring. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around the planting area as shoots appear, or use copper-ring barriers. Repeat after heavy rain. Damage to foliage reduces the plant's ability to build up energy reserves in the corm.