The Wake Robins
Shade loving Trilliums are a spring flowering plant and they grow well in the dappled shade of deciduous trees.
With spectacular flowers, they are increasingly popular with gardeners with shaded areas who are looking for something a little different in both flowers and foliage.
They are commonly referred to as ‘Wake Robins’ at least the ones from North America are. However a number of species are from Asia as well.
Flower colour varies from pure white, to deep purple, yellow flowering and some varieties with white and pink speckled flowers are also available.
Grown for both the flowers, which are unique as well as the foliage which ranges from green to wonderful marbled patterns, these plants range in size from small like the pretty T. rivale, pictured right to quite large imposing specimens.
Grown in the garden or in containers trilliums deserve a place in any cool to temperate garden where a little shade is available.
The foliage is attractive and the upward facing flowers sitting above the foliage make them a very attractive plant
The name Trillium means ‘Three Leaf Lily’ and this is a plant of 3s, 3 leaves, 3 petals, 3 sepals and it symbolizes renewal, and purity. As is comes back to life in spring both renewal and the term Wake Robin begin to make sense
Think of growing these plants, we suggest start ng off with an established plant or rhizome from a specialist nursery.
How to grow Trilliums – Basic Care
Being a woodland plant all varieties require a semi shaded position in rich soil. Dig in lots of well rotted compost, rotted leaf litter etc. Keep moist and be patient and you will be rewarded in spring.
You could also consider growing trilliums from seed, however these wonderful plants will take up to some time to germinate and up to 7 grow to flowering size from seed, if you are a patient gardener they are well worth the wait.
Mature trillium plants are a better option unless you are patient. Established clumps are best left undisturbed for best flowering.
The best time to buy is while the plants are dormant in winter, you will find more varieties for sale by mail order than will appear in retail outlets.
- Start by choosing that shaded position, dappled shade is best.
- Ensure that the soil retains some moisture, dig in leaf mold and compost to improve the soil.
- They are a plant that prefers a slightly acidic soil so a pH of around 6 is ideal.
- Plant and water in.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain that cool moist root run.
You also need to make sire that the soil is never wet and soggy, just moist.
Don’t be tempted to pick Trillium flowers to take indoors. You would need to take the whole stem and you can set the plant back a few years or even kill it.
Trillium Propagation
Overtime Trilliums will self seed, and you need to take care not to disturb the tiny new plants.
Seedlings have only one narrow leaf, it’s not until the second year that they will still have only one leaf, just a little larger, in the third year 3 leaves.
The fasted Trillium to grow is Trillium rivale, and this one looks like a small trillium and has just been reclassified as Pseudotrillium.
Trillium Species
Popular Trillium species include : daiswa, kinugasa, sessile, grandiflorum, flexipes, albidum chloropetalum, pusillum, sulcatum and similie
You may also be interested in these other shade loving Woodland Wonders
Trillium Plants are available for sale form the following nurseries
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
KAYDALE PLANTS & BULBS – phone (03) 64 291 293
Mail or phone order plants & bulbs.
Large range of rare and unusual bulbs and plants.Includes Trillium