Erythronium 'Purple King'

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026
Spring flowering bulbs and plants are scheduled to begin delivery from 14 September 2026.

1 bulbs
£3.39
£3.39 each
3 bulbs
£9.39
£3.13 each
Save 8%
12 bulbs
£30.99
£2.58 each
Save 24%

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026

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Our "Bloom or Bust" Promise

Purple King, often admired for its purple colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to naturalising.

Erythronium d.c. 'Purple King' is a quietly distinguished spring-flowering bulb, prized for its poised, nodding blooms in polished purple-rose tones. It slips beautifully into lightly shaded borders and woodland-style planting, where it reads as wonderfully natural rather than ‘placed’.

In mid to late spring, slender stems rise above attractively mottled foliage, bringing a refined flourish beneath deciduous trees and at the edge of shrubs. Given a settled spot with moisture and good drainage, it will form graceful clumps over time.

  • Flowering: April–May
  • Height: 25–40cm
  • Best for: naturalising, woodland gardens, shady borders
  • Position: sheltered, lightly shaded sites; woodland edges and beneath deciduous trees
Botanical name Erythronium d.c. 'Purple King'
Flower colour Purple
Bulb size I
Established height 25–40cm
Established spread 10–20cm
Plant spacing 10–15cm
Leaf colour Green with brown-purple mottling
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2–3 years
Sunlight Partial Sun
Position Sheltered, lightly shaded positions; woodland edges and beneath deciduous trees
Suitable for Naturalising, Woodland gardens, Shady borders
Soil acidity Neutral
Soil moisture Moist but well-drained
Soil type Loam
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Erythronium 'Purple King' needs partial sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 10–15cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Naturalising

Erythronium 'Purple King' - Harding & Bloom

Erythronium 'Purple King'

£3.39

£3.39

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset