Bulbs

Trillium
trillium

- Height 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm)
- Planting distance 6-8 in (15-20 cm)
- Flowers midspring to early summer
- Rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Partial shade
- Rhizomes available late summer and early fall
- Hardy zones 3-7

Trilliums like woodland conditions, so they should be given a shaded spot with humus-rich soil. Most are very hardy. All species have three broad midgreen leaves and blooms with three petals and three stamens. They flower in midspring to early summer. Plant in large clumps for best effect.

Popular species and cultivars
Trillium erectum has small wine-colored flowers, which face outward. The plants may reach up to 1 ft (30 cm) high. Set the rhizomes 8 in (20 cm) apart. A yellow form, 'Luteum,' also exists. Trillium grandiflorum, commonly known as wake-robin, is the most popular species. It has large outward-facing flowers, which are snow-white at first but gradually turn pale pink with age. The plants grow 16-18 in (40-45 cm) high, and the rhizomes should be set 8 in (20 cm) apart. Trillium sessile has erect, narrow pointed flowers with a slight scent. Ranging from red and maroon to a greenish yellow, they are stemless and accompanied by marbled gray and deep green leaves. The plants stand 12-16 in (30-40 cm) high. Plant the rhizomes 6-8 in (15-20 cm) apart. Less hardy than the other species, T. sessile overwinters in zone 6 only in protected spot.

Bulbs