Overview

Trillium erectum red-flowered is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Trillium, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Trillium erectum red-flowered 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 New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.

About

Trillium erectum red-flowered is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Melanthiaceae, notable for its red-flowered display in spring. It carries a whorl of three deciduous leaves and forms compact colonies. Plant in partial shade on moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils in a sheltered north-, east- or west-facing position where it is hardy (H5). Flowers appear April to May.

About the genus

Trillium is a genus of about fifty flowering plant species in the family Melanthiaceae. Trillium species are native to temperate regions of North America and Asia, with the greatest diversity of species found in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States.

Wikipedia contributors, "Trillium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trillium

In the garden

Trillium erectum red-flowered is a tuberous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial from eastern Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec). It belongs to the genus Trillium and produces its characteristic spring blooms from an otherwise low-growing leaf rosette. Plant this trillium where it receives partial shade and protection from prevailing winds; sheltered north-, east- or west-facing aspects suit it best. It prefers loam or sandy soils that are moist but well drained and will tolerate acid to neutral pH. In UK terms H5 means the plant is hardy outdoors through most winters when given a sheltered spot and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Use it in cottage and informal schemes, tucked into flower borders and beds, or as underplanting beneath roses and shrubs where its early-season leaves and flowers can be seen before larger plants fill out. Keep soil evenly moist and avoid exposed, drying sites. Flowering takes place April to May.

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 erectum red-flowered 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

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Trillium erectum red-flowered

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