This species blooms in early to mid-spring with large blossoms of white, yellow, or deep purple-black. It is vigorous, growing to almost 18 inches tall and wide, with leaves (usually mottled) up to 8 inches long.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsMost trilliums are native to woodlands and scrub of North America. They make an elegant understory species planted in groups in a woodland or shady, naturalized area. Since trilliums go dormant in summer, plant them with other shade-loving perennials to share their place until the reappear the following spring.
CareProvide rich, moist, but well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Plant in part to full shade and provide trilliums with an annual mulch of rich, organic matter.
PropagationTrilliums propagate readily by division (when plants are dormant in late summer or early fall).
ProblemsSmut, rust, fungal spots, slugs, snails.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Trillium
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
- Bloom Time : Early Spring
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Uses : Ground Covers, Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Light : Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White, Yellow
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.