About
A strong woodland perennial, to around 70cm high, with upright stems each bearing three broad green leaves with long pointed tips. Flowers with curved back petals are held on stiff stalks above the leaves in spring; flower colour varies from dark red or purple to white, cream or pale pink.
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, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but well drained, humus rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil in light shade, though will tolerate full shade. 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; may take several years to reach flowering size. Propagate by division of rhizomes (root cuttings) after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free