Overview
Trillium foetidissimum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Trillium, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Trillium foetidissimum 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.
About
Trillium foetidissimum, known as Mississippi River wake-robin, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Melanthiaceae family. Like other Trillium species, it grows from rhizomes with upright stems topped by a whorl of ovate or diamond-shaped leaves, bearing flowers at the stem apex. This deciduous plant thrives in partial shade with sheltered exposure and prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soil with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suited to cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, offering interest in spring and summer.
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 foetidissimum 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trillium foetidissimum
- 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 foetidissimum?
Trillium foetidissimum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Trillium foetidissimum need?
Trillium foetidissimum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Trillium foetidissimum hardy in the UK?
Trillium foetidissimum 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 foetidissimum?
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 cuneatumlittle sweet Betsy
- Trillium erectum red-flowered
- Trillium grandiflorum 'Kath's Dwarf'
- Trillium parviflorum
- Trillium pusillum var. virginianum
