Trillium chloropetalum
giant wake-robin
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow Red | Green Cream Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.