What: Trillium erectum — commonly called red or purple trillium, bethroot, waking robin or stinking benjamin — is native to the woodlands of eastern North America yet is surprisingly well adapted to the Pacific Northwest. It has good garden vigor and becomes a significant flowering clump faster than most other trilliums. Its leaves are somewhat oval, widening near the base and tapering to a tip. Above these handsome leaves sit long-stalked flowers with three maroon petals backed by three greenish-purple sepals.
Where: Purple trilliums grow best in light, open or dappled shade. Ideally, this is a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade or the bright shade beneath deciduous trees or very tall conifers. In too much shade, they will not bulk up or flower well; in hot afternoon sun, their foliage burns.
Size: Grows to 1 foot, 6 inches tall and 1 foot wide in 10 years.
Care: All trilliums require fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and the eastern North American species must have regular additional water during summer. Young plants can take three to five years to bloom and another five to eight years to develop into a nice clump. Do not remove old flowers but let the seeds develop as ants will disperse them around your garden to start new clumps. Be careful not to plant aggressive plants nearby as trilliums are poor competitors.
— greatplantpicks.org
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
