Gardening Flowers Perennials How to Plant and Grow Trillium This native woodland perennial is easily recognized by its symmetrical flowers. By Nadia Hassani Nadia Hassani Nadia Hassani is a gardening and food writer with more than two decades of hands-on gardening experience in vegetable and fruit gardening, landscaping with native plants, and garden design. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 17, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Where to Plant Planting Tips Care Pests and Problems Propagation Types Companion Plants FAQ Close Trillium is a genus of spring-blooming wildflowers in the lily family. Most of the more than 40 trillium species are native to temperate North America and primarily found in the eastern United States, from the thickets of Quebec and Ontario to the woodlands of Alabama and Georgia, and in between. Some rare trillium species, such as the relict trillium (Trillium reliquum) grow only in a narrow geographic range. It is not unusual for this woodland gem to require at least a couple of years or more in the growing site before blooming, a worthwhile wait. Also called wood lily or wake-robin, trilliums are cherished for their distinct solitary three-petal flowers, which give way to capsules that look like berries. The flowers sit either directly on top of the foliage (sessile) or on a short stalk. The leaves and sepals also come in groups of three. The foliage of several species is mottled. Trillium is toxic to humans and pets. Trillium Overview Genus Name Trillium spp. Common Name Trillium Additional Common Names Birthroot, Wake-Robin, Wood-Lily Plant Type Perennial Light Part Sun, Shade Height 12 to 19 inches Width 4 to 12 inches Flower Color Pink, Red, White, Yellow Foliage Color Chartreuse/Gold Season Features Spring Bloom Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Division Problem Solvers Deer Resistant Where to Plant Trillium Plant this graceful perennial in a shaded location with rich, moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil, ideally in a woodland-type setting. This is a low-growing plant so select a spot where you can enjoy its spring blossoms. Trillium is particular about its growing conditions but when left undisturbed it will spread slowly and gradually to form a colony or clump, so make sure it has room to expand. The plant is a true spring ephemeral; it often dies down to the ground by late summer, even earlier in areas with dry soil. Let other perennials such as perennial geranium or lobelia fill the space but avoid any whose roots grow too vigorously and choke out the trillium. How and When to Plant Trillium Plant the rhizomes in the late summer or fall when the plant is dormant and the foliage has died back. Dig a hole 2 to 4 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the long, white roots growing from the rhizome. Fan the roots out and backfill the hole. Gently tamp down the soil and water well. In the absence of rain, water regularly to encourage the roots to get established before the first fall frost. Depending on the variety, space plants 6 to 12 inches apart. Trillium Care Tips Providing the plant with the proper growing conditions is key. Once it is established, the care is minimal. Light Trillium needs part shade or full shade to thrive. Soil and Water The soil should be well-drained, humus-rich soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Water the plant regularly after planting, especially if there is infrequent rainfall, to help the rhizomes get established. In dry summer weather, the foliage naturally dies down. You don’t need to water the plant during that period. However, covering the area with a thick layer of leaf litter helps to retain soil moisture. Temperature and Humidity The different trillium species vary in hardiness; some are more winter-hardy than others and grow in Zone 4. All trilliums grow best in a temperate climate with cool winters and warm summers and no extreme heat or humidity. Fertilizer Instead of using commercial fertilizer, apply a layer of compost around the plants every spring. Allowing fallen leaves from nearby deciduous trees to remain in place also returns nutrients to the soil as they are decomposing. Pruning There is no need to prune or trim trillium. Make sure to let the foliage die back naturally after the bloom. Potting and Repotting Trillium is not suitable for growing in pots. In the winter, pots do not provide the roots with sufficient insulation against the cold in the winter or heat in the summer. Also, frequent temperature fluctuations and cycles of freezing and thawing are detrimental to the health of the rhizomes. Pests and Problems Trillium is unbothered by serious pest or diseases and it is considered fairly deer-resistant. How to Propagate Trillium Trillium does not transplant well so digging up a mature plant to propagate it can be challenging. Propagating from seed has its drawbacks, too, as it takes several years for a new trillium to bloom. If you want to try your hand at propagating it by division, in the late summer or early fall, carefully dig up the whole clump and gently separate the rhizomes into sections. Replant them at the same depth as the original plant and water well for the first few weeks. Types of Trillium Great White Trillium Trillium grandiflorum stands out by its large white flowers on tall stems. The white flowers develop a pink tint as they age. The plant grows 8 to 12 inches in height. Zone 4-7 Stinking Benjamin The name of this red trillium (Trillium erectum) is deceiving—with its deep crimson flowers, it is one of the most striking trilliums. The solid green leaves have pointed tips. It is native to the eastern United States and eastern Canada. Zone 4-7 Sweet Betsy Trillium cuneatum, commonly known as sweet Betsy, bloody butcher, or purple toadshade, is native to the southeastern United States. The red or purple flowers sit atop 12- to 18-inch stems. Zone 5-8 Yellow Trillium Both the flowers and the leaves of Trillium luteum are stalkless. The silver-mottled foliage on 1- to 2-foot plants is especially attractive. Zone 5-7 Trillium Companion Plants Virginia Bluebells Virginia bluebells are another native plant that adds woodland beauty to your garden. They have blue, bell-shaped flowers that open above bright green foliage in midspring. After the bloom, at the beginning of summer, Virginia bluebells recede into the soil and their foliage slowly dies back. Zone 3-8 Wood Fern Planting small to medium wood ferns (Dryopteris) is a sure way to fill the empty space after trillium dies back in the summer. Wood ferns, also known as shield ferns and buckler ferns, are tough, adaptable, medium-sized woodland ferns with a bold texture. Unlike other ferns, which are often finicky to grow, wood ferns are sturdy, strong, and easy to grow, and they require little maintenance. Zone 3-9 Violets Yellow violets make excellent woodland planting companions. Unlike other violets, they do not spread by runners or vigorously self-seed. Their native range stretches from northeastern Canada to southern Texas. Zone 3-7 Frequently Asked Questions Why are trilliums special? About one-third of the trillium species in North America are threatened by extinction and listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Trillium became rare due to habitat loss, loss of pollinators, over-harvesting by avid gardeners, and introduced invasive competitors, pathogens, and pests. If you decide to plant trillium, buy only from reputable companies that sell nursery-propagated stock. Does trillium spread? The plants spread slowly from their rhizomatous roots so it takes years until they fill an area. As a tradeoff, they are long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 25 years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Trillium. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.