About
A slow-growing woodland perennial, to around 50cm high, with upright stems each bearing three elliptic, mottled green leaves held on short stalks. Dark red or occasionally yellow flowers, with upright incurved petals and narrow green sepals hanging down from the base, are produced directly above 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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
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 toC & EC 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; takes 5-7 years to reach flowering size. Propagate by division of rhizomes (root cuttings) after flowering, rhizomes in this species are narrow and brittle
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free