Overview
Trillium cuneatum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Trillium, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Trillium cuneatum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
About
Trillium cuneatum, the little sweet betsy, also known as whip-poor-will flower, large toadshade, purple toadshade, and bloody butcher, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is a member of the Trillium cuneatum complex, a subgroup of the sessile-flowered trilliums.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Trillium
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Trillium cuneatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trillium cuneatum
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes after flowering, Seed sowing as soon as ripe in pots in a shady cold frame
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Trillium cuneatum?
Trillium cuneatum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Trillium cuneatum need?
Trillium cuneatum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Trillium cuneatum hardy in the UK?
Trillium cuneatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Trillium cuneatum?
Division of rhizomes after flowering, Seed sowing as soon as ripe in pots in a shady cold frame.
More in the Trillium genus
- Trillium camschatcense
- Trillium chloropetalum 'Spetchly Park'
- Trillium chloropetalum pink-flowered
- Trillium erectum red-flowered
- Trillium foetidissimumMississippi River wake-robin
- Trillium grandiflorum 'Kath's Dwarf'
- Trillium parviflorum
- Trillium pusillum var. virginianum
