About

This slow-growing woodland perennial, to around 50cm high, with upright, red-tinted stems each bearing three oval-shaped, deeply veined green leaves. Nodding, pale or deep pink flowers with recurved petals are borne on short stems beneath and among the leaves in spring.

About the genus

Trillium are rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing a whorl of ovate or diamond-shaped leaves, with one or more erect or nodding flowers borne at the stem apex

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSE USA

Care notes

CultivationThrives in moist but well drained, humus rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil in light shade, though will tolerate most soils and positions. Mulch annually in autumn, ideally with leaf mould. Ideal for woodland, or underplanting where they will not be overwhelmed by other plants. See trillium cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a shady cold frame as soon as seed is ripe; may take several years to reach flowering size. Propagate by division of rhizomes (root cuttings) after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free