Overview
Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' is a perennial in the genus Trillium, part of the Melanthiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Western North America.
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 ovatum 'Kenmore' belongs to the genus Trillium and comes from western North America. As a spring-flowering perennial it reaches roughly 0.4 m and provides a brief but distinct floral season in April to May. The plant is a member of the Melanthiaceae family and is propagated and grown for that short-lived spring interest. Place it where light is limited: shade to partial shade are the appropriate aspects, while the stated sunlight range includes both full sun and full shade so choose the cooler, sheltered spots if sites get strong sun. Soils can be sandy, loamy or clay, provided they remain moist but well-drained; incorporate organic matter to help retain moisture without causing waterlogging. It is fully hardy in UK terms (H7) and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–8, so it tolerates hard winters once established. Use Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' at the front of a shady border, on the edge of a planted woodland area, or beneath deciduous trees where spring light reaches the ground. Keep planting positions undisturbed once established, and note that its seasonal flowers appear at about 0.4 m in April to May, offering a compact spring highlight.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Trillium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Shade
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Native to
- Western North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore'?
Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits partial shade positions.
What soil does Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' need?
Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' grow?
Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' hardy in the UK?
Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Trillium ovatum 'Kenmore'?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Trillium genus
- Trillium cernuumdrooping wake-robin
- Trillium chloropetalumgiant wake-robin

- Trillium erectumbirthroot

- Trillium erectum 'Album'White Trillium

- Trillium erectum 'Ochroleucum', or 'Viridiflorum'

- Trillium erectum red-floweredRed Trillium

- Trillium grandiflorumAmerican wake-robin

- Trillium grandiflorum 'Flore Pleno'White Trillium
