Trillium flexipes

RHS Plant Profile
nodding wake-robin
nodding wake-robin RHS

Synonyms

Trillium erectum var. blandum

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial, to 60cm tall, with three broadly ovate leaves, each 7-25cm long and as wide, and often almost overlapping. White outward-facing spring flowers, up to 5cm across, comprise three large white petals and three narrow green sepals and are held above the leaves on short stalks which may be either stiffly erect or drooping

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, 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

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Melanthiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
E North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, moist but well-drained, humus-rich, preferably acid to neutral soil in deep or partial shade. Mulch in autumn with leaf mould. See trillium cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a shady cold frame as soon as seed is ripe; takes 5-7 years to reach flowering size. Propagate rhizomes by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free