Troubleshooting
Pink Fawn Lily problems — and how to fix them
Pink Fawn Lily (Erythronium revolutum) 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 before planting
Corms of Erythronium revolutum are highly susceptible to drying out between lifting and replanting. Purchase from suppliers who store corms in damp sand or sawdust, and plant immediately on receipt. Dry corms fail to establish.
Corm rot in summer
Poor drainage during summer dormancy is the leading cause of loss. In rainy climates, site under a deciduous tree canopy where summer leaf cover reduces rainfall reaching the soil, or lift corms and store in dry sand.
Slow naturalisation
Pink Fawn Lily spreads slowly by offsets and resents disturbance. Leave plantings undisturbed for at least three to five years to allow colony establishment. Once settled, plants will self-seed and spread gradually.
Prevent pink fawn lily problems before they start
Most pink fawn lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Pink Fawn Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my pink fawn lily corm desiccation before planting?
Corms of Erythronium revolutum are highly susceptible to drying out between lifting and replanting. Purchase from suppliers who store corms in damp sand or sawdust, and plant immediately on receipt. Dry corms fail to establish.
Why is my pink fawn lily corm rot in summer?
Poor drainage during summer dormancy is the leading cause of loss. In rainy climates, site under a deciduous tree canopy where summer leaf cover reduces rainfall reaching the soil, or lift corms and store in dry sand.
Why is my pink fawn lily slow naturalisation?
Pink Fawn Lily spreads slowly by offsets and resents disturbance. Leave plantings undisturbed for at least three to five years to allow colony establishment. Once settled, plants will self-seed and spread gradually.