Trillium
( TRILL - ee - um )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering perennials needs partial to full shade conditions and regular water to perform well. They bloom in early springtime, sending out three-petaled flowers that appear in the center of a whorl of leaves. They are great in shady, wooded areas and like to be left undisturbed to form colonies via rhizomes. In summer, these plants will die to the ground. Take care when planting these flowers in the garden, as some species are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
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Trillium Species and Varietals
The genus Trillium is a member of the plant family The best growing zones for Trillium vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Trillium albidum (Giant White Wakerobin, White Toadshade) These plants are endemic to the western United States, from central California through Oregon to southwestern Washington. Leaves are green to deep green, and flowering stems are topped with solitary white flowers (that are sometimes pink or purple-tinged). |
Trillium cernuum (Nodding Trillium, Nodding Wakerobin, Northern Nodding Trillium, Whip-Poor-Will Flower) These perennial herbaceous plants spreads by underground rhizomes, and produces above-ground foliage and flowers that reach up to 16 inches tall. Flowers bloom between April and June, and are white to pale pink. |
Trillium chloropetalum (Trillium sessile californicum) Native to California, this species grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-17. It reacches 1-1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Leaves are marked with maroon spots, and stalkless flowers bloom in early spring. Blossoms are greenish white to yellowish. Trillium chloropetalum giganteum (pictured) has maroon flowers. |
Trillium decumbens (Decumbent Trillium, Trailing Wakerobin) These perennial herbaceous plants are native to the states of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. It prefers to grow in mature deciduous woodlands and open rocky wooded slopes. Flowers appear from March through April, and are held upright at full bloom. Blossoms are dark maroon, and emit an unpleasant odor. |
Trillium erectum (Red Trillium, Wake Robin, Purple Trillium, Bethroot, Stinking Benjamin) Plants in this species are native to North America, and produce red flowers with white anthers. Individual plants reach 16 inches. Varieties have flowers that are dark reddish-brown, maroon, purple, pale yellow, or white. |
Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium, Large-Flowered Trillium, Great White Trillium, White Wake-Robin, Trille Blanc) Native to rich, mixed upland forests in eastern North America, these plants produce white flowers that bloom from late springtime through early summer. Leaves are green and have deep veins. Flowering stems reach up to between 8 and 16 inches tall. |
Trillium luteum (Yellow Trillium, Yellow Wakerobin) These plants produce yellow flowers, unlike most other species in the genus, which produce red or white blooms. These plants are endemic to the southeastern United States, and has green leaves with grey-green marbling. Flowers appear between the months of April and May, and after flowering and setting seed, plants go dormant in summertime. |
Caring for trillium
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 637 - 638, Trillium
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