Erythronium × revolutum 'Grand Old Man' is a vigorous and elegant Dog's Tooth Violet, producing nodding purple-pink flowers above attractive mottled foliage in spring. Each flower has gracefully swept-back petals and a contrasting yellow-green ring around the throat, giving the blooms a delicate two-tone appearance.
Growing to around 25cm tall, 'Grand Old Man' is particularly well suited to woodland gardens, shady borders and planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. It enjoys cool, humus-rich conditions and, once established, is best left undisturbed to develop into an increasingly impressive spring display.
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Botanical name: Erythronium × revolutum 'Grand Old Man'
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Common name: Dog's Tooth Violet
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Plant type: Bulbous herbaceous perennial
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Flower colour: Purple-pink with a yellow-green throat
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Flowering time: April-May
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Height: Approximately 25cm
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Spread: Approximately 20-30cm
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Foliage: Green with attractive mottling
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Position: Partial shade
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Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
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Ideal for: Woodland gardens, shady borders and naturalistic planting
About Erythronium 'Grand Old Man'
Erythroniums are among the most graceful of spring woodland bulbs, and 'Grand Old Man' is an especially vigorous selection. Slender stems carry nodding flowers with long, recurved petals, creating the characteristic swept-back appearance associated with Dog's Tooth Violets.
The flowers open in shades of soft purple-pink, becoming paler towards the centre where a yellowish ring highlights the throat. Pale filaments and prominent anthers hang beneath the flower, adding to its elegant appearance.
Attractive Mottled Leaves
The foliage provides an attractive display alongside the flowers. Broad green leaves emerge in spring with darker mottling and markings across their surface, providing colour and texture at ground level.
Like other Erythroniums, 'Grand Old Man' is a spring ephemeral. The leaves emerge, flower and replenish the bulb before naturally dying back as summer approaches. The plant then remains dormant underground until the following spring.
An Excellent Woodland Plant
'Grand Old Man' thrives in the dappled or partial shade found beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. These positions provide plenty of light while the plant is growing in spring, followed by increased shade as the tree canopy develops.
It is ideal for informal woodland planting and looks particularly effective amongst ferns, hellebores, wood anemones, Cyclamen and other shade-loving spring plants.
How to Plant Erythronium Bulbs
Erythronium bulbs should be planted promptly after arrival because they can deteriorate if allowed to dry out. Choose fertile, humus-rich soil that retains moisture during spring but does not become waterlogged.
Plant the bulbs approximately 8-10cm deep. Incorporating leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter into the surrounding soil can help reproduce the conditions found naturally on a woodland floor.
Once established, avoid unnecessarily lifting or moving the bulbs. Erythroniums generally produce their best displays when allowed to settle and remain undisturbed for several years.
Height and Spread
Erythronium 'Grand Old Man' reaches approximately 25cm tall with a spread of around 20-30cm. Its vigorous habit makes it a good choice where you want an Erythronium capable of developing into a substantial patch over time.
Allow enough room for plants to increase naturally rather than crowding them closely with vigorous neighbouring perennials.
Naturalising Erythronium 'Grand Old Man'
In suitable woodland conditions, established Erythroniums can gradually increase and create attractive colonies. Keeping the soil rich in organic matter and avoiding disturbance during dormancy will help plants establish successfully.
Allow all foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Although the leaves may begin to disappear relatively early in the gardening season, they are feeding the underground bulb while still green.
Why Grow Erythronium 'Grand Old Man'?
- Graceful purple-pink flowers
- Contrasting yellow-green throat
- Distinctive swept-back petals
- Attractive mottled foliage
- More vigorous than many Erythroniums
- Grows to approximately 25cm tall
- Spread of approximately 20-30cm
- Excellent beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
- Ideal for woodland and partially shaded gardens
- Can gradually establish into attractive colonies
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Erythronium 'Grand Old Man' flower?
It normally flowers in mid to late spring, typically during April and May.
How tall does Erythronium 'Grand Old Man' grow?
Plants reach approximately 25cm tall when in flower.
What is the spread of 'Grand Old Man'?
Expect an established plant to spread approximately 20-30cm, with clumps gradually increasing when conditions are suitable.
Where should I plant Erythronium 'Grand Old Man'?
Choose partial or dappled shade, ideally beneath deciduous trees or shrubs. A cool woodland border with humus-rich soil is particularly suitable.
What soil does it prefer?
Erythroniums prefer fertile, humus-rich soil that retains some moisture during the spring growing season but still drains freely.
Should Erythronium bulbs be planted immediately?
Yes. Plant the bulbs as soon as possible after receiving them and avoid allowing them to dry out.
Should I lift Erythronium bulbs after flowering?
No. For the best results, leave established bulbs undisturbed. Allow the foliage to die back naturally and the plant will remain dormant underground during summer.
Will 'Grand Old Man' spread?
It is considered a vigorous Erythronium and can gradually increase when grown in suitable woodland conditions, eventually producing a larger spring display.
With its purple-pink swept-back flowers, contrasting yellow throat and beautifully mottled leaves, Erythronium 'Grand Old Man' is a superb woodland bulb for adding colour and character to partially shaded areas of the garden.
