This native woodland perennial is easily recognized by its symmetrical flowers.
Trillium is a genus of spring-blooming wildflowers in the lily family.
The flowers sit either directly on top of the foliage (sessile) or on a short stalk.
The leaves and sepals also come in groups of three.
The foliage of several species is mottled.
Trillium is toxic to humans and pets.
This is a low-growing plant so select a spot where you’re able to enjoy its spring blossoms.
Fan the roots out and backfill the hole.
Gently tamp down the soil and water well.
Depending on the variety, space plants 6 to 12 inches apart.
Trillium Care Tips
Providing the plant with the proper growing conditions is key.
Once it is established, the care is minimal.
Light
Trillium needs part shade or full shade to thrive.
Water the plant regularly after planting, especially if there is infrequent rainfall, to help therhizomes get established.
In dry summer weather, the foliage naturally dies down.
You dont need to water the plant during that period.
However, covering the area with a thick layer of leaf litter helps to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizer
Instead of using commercial fertilizer, apply a layer of compost around the plants every spring.
Pruning
There is no need to prune or trim trillium.
double-check to let the foliage die back naturally after the bloom.
Potting and Repotting
Trillium is not suitable for growing in pots.
Also, frequent temperature fluctuations and cycles of freezing and thawing are detrimental to the health of the rhizomes.
Pests and Problems
Trillium is unbothered by serious pest or diseases and it is considered fairly deer-resistant.
Replant them at the same depth as the original plant and water well for the first few weeks.
The white flowers develop a pink tint as they age.
The plant grows 8 to 12 inches in height.
The solid green leaves have pointed tips.
It is native to the eastern United States and eastern Canada.
The red or purple flowers sit atop 12- to 18-inch stems.
Zone 5-8
Yellow Trillium
Both the flowers and the leaves ofTrillium luteumare stalkless.
The silver-mottled foliage on 1- to 2-foot plants is especially attractive.
They have blue, bell-shaped flowers that open above bright green foliage in midspring.
Zone 3-9
Violets
Yellowvioletsmake excellent woodland planting companions.
Unlike other violets, they do not spread by runners or vigorously self-seed.
Their native range stretches from northeastern Canada to southern Texas.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
If you decide to plant trillium, buy only from reputable companies that sell nursery-propagated stock.
The plants spread slowly from their rhizomatous roots so it takes years until they fill an area.
As a tradeoff, they are long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 25 years.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Trillium.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
