Anyone acquainted with the flowers of the woodland floor holds the trillium in the highest regard.
So esteemed are these interesting plants that some years ago, when American naturalists were asked to name the showiest herbs on this continent, the great white trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) ranked sixth in a list of 1080 different plants.
It had to compete with such wildling beauties as the pink lady-slipper, the mallow, and the cardinal flower.
Trilliums belong to the lily family. Most trillium species are native to the region of the United States lying east of the Mississippi river. However, they are pretty standard in favored locations in Missouri and Arkansas. Eastern Kansas boasts three species.
Five trillium species are found in California and Oregon, and a like number on the continent of Asia. Trilliums growing in Europe are usually transplants from the United States.
The name “trillium” was given to this group of plants because, under average growth, they produce their various parts in threes or multiples of that number. Each trillium has three sepals, three petals, six stamens, three styles, a three-parted ovary, and the flower appears on a whorl of three leaves.
Also interesting is the fact that three plants frequently rise together in a small clump. Some species have flowers with no stems. Others have such long stems that the blossom tilts over and is often obscured by the whorl of leaves.
Leave Planted Trilliums Alone
Once planted, trilliums should be left alone. They will establish themselves and bloom for many years without further disturbance. Trillium soil should be moist, well-drained, and have an acid reaction near pH 6.
The dappled shade of tall trees is a good place for trilliums. The soil should be prepared by working in generous quantities of sand and sphagnum peat moss. An annual top-dressing in early spring with rotted leaf mold is beneficial.
Most trilliums grow from a rhizome-like tuber that may be transplanted after the plant’s flower, but preferably in late summer or autumn during their natural dormancy. The tubers should be set in the soil from 2” to 7” inches deep.
The depth depends on the size of the tuber. A ground with an acid reaction of pH 6 gives good results with trilliums.
Grow Trillums From Seeds or Tubers
Trilliums can be grown from seeds as well as from tubers. The seeds should be planted in autumn just under the surface of sandy leaf mold, kept moist and shaded. The seedlings will appear the following April.
Bloom can be expected in about three years. The young plants may be moved from the starting frame during their growing season, and, when set, the area should be marked in some manner so that it will not be disturbed when the seedlings are dormant.
Trillium grandiflorum, called wake-robin or white wood lily, is the most familiar species grown in the East. Frequently, acres of the woodland floor is covered by its waxy white, two-inch flowers, which ultimately fade to pink color.
In wildflower gardens everywhere, this trillium is considered one of the easiest and most rewarding to grow. It responds favorably to additional moisture applied in times of drouth, and in areas of intense winter cold, a light mulching is beneficial.
Although this trillium may be found growing in the wild, the best way to have it in your garden is to obtain nursery-grown plants, or tubers, from a grower who specializes in wildflowers.
Another white-flowered trillium, the nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum), is so named because its flowers are on such long stems that they droop over and can be hidden beneath the three-leaved whorl. These plants are effective if planted on a steeply inclined slope where their blooms may be seen readily from below.
The Purple Trillium
The purple trillium (Purple erectum) is a vigorous grower. It does not seem to care about the soil’s makeup. While its flower is far from sweet-scented at close range, the color contrast is beautiful when planted with white trilliums.
The yellow trillium (Trillium luteum) has a greenish-yellow flower with a trio of attractively mottled leaves. The perfume of the flowers is like that of a lemon. It is a native of the region between Alabama and Arkansas and north to Kentucky and Missouri.
One of the loveliest trilliums is the painted wake-robin (Trillium undulatum). However, it requires pretty acid soil and excellent, moist woodland cover.
It also seems to require the association of other woodland neighbors, such as the sorrel (oxalis) and spring beauty (claytonia); at least, I know it does better on sites where these other plants thrive. Its range extends from Georgia north to Manitoba and Nova Scotia.
The Stemless Trillium
The stemless trillium (Trillium sessile), shown in full color on page 18, is native to much of our country. While the perfume of its flowers would not compare to something like honey-locust, it is not unpleasant.
The blooms, one to a plant, sometimes appear in late March. Always by April. The whorl of leaves is pleasingly marked and has an exciting network of veins. These appear before the flowers.
Since this trillium usually blooms about when the tree toads come out of their winter retreats, it is sometimes called “toad-shade,” As a wildling, this trillium is easy to grow. Once established in the wild garden, it will bloom for many springs to come, caring little if they are early or late.
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