Trillium chloropetalum

RHS Plant Profile
giant wake-robin
Herbaceous Perennial

A robust woodland perennial, to around 60cm high, with upright, red-tinted stems each bearing three diamond-shaped green leaves mottled with cream, dark green or maroon. Flowers are upright, often scented, and nestled directly above the leaves in spring, and may be white, cream, yellow, dark red, purple or brown

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Melanthiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
USA (California)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist but well drained, humus rich, neutral to 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

Propagation

Propagate 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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free