Trillium wildflowers are a sight to behold not only in their native habitat but also in the garden. These early spring bloomers are native to temperate areas of North America and Asia. They are easy to spot because they have a whorl of three leaves and big flowers. The name comes from the fact that almost every part of the plant is made up of threes: three leaves, three flower petals, three ways to bloom (straight, nodding, or drooping), and three-part seedpods. This plant also has the interesting name “wake robin,” which is said to come from the fact that it flowers around the same time as spring robins.
Trillium are stunning spring-blooming wildflowers that flourish in woodland gardens and shady borders These hardy perennials are highly sought after for their whorls of three leaves and flowers in white, pink, red and yellow hues Trillium spread slowly by rhizome to form delightful clumps over time.
While you can grow trillium from seed, the easiest way to get started is by planting rhizomes Here is a complete step-by-step guide to successfully planting trillium rhizomes for gorgeous flowers
What is a Trillium Rhizome?
The trillium rhizome is a thick, knobby underground stem that grows horizontally just below the soil surface. It has a bud node where new shoots and roots emerge. Fine white roots also extend from the rhizome to access water and nutrients for the plant.
Rhizomes slowly spread and form new plants through a process called vegetative reproduction. As the rhizome elongates, new buds sprout up, eventually becoming separate plant crowns. This is why trillium multiply into attractive clumps in ideal growing conditions.
When to Plant Trillium Rhizomes
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.
Spring planting can be done but is riskier. Wait until after the ground thaws and avoid disturbing any emerging shoots.
Planting during dormancy allows the roots to establish before top growth begins in spring It also reduces transplant shock that can happen with actively growing trillium plants
Where to Plant Trillium Rhizomes
Trillium thrive in the same conditions as in their native woodland habitat. Select a site that provides:
- Dappled sunlight to part shade
- Organically rich, humus-filled soil
- Consistent moisture but good drainage
- Shelter from winds
Amend clay or sandy soils liberally with compost to improve moisture retention and nutrition for the best results. Areas near downspouts or where rain collects work perfectly.
Space trillium rhizomes 6 to 12 inches apart to allow them room to spread out. Interplant them with ferns, hostas, astilbe or other woodland perennials.
How to Plant Trillium Rhizomes
Follow these simple steps for properly planting trillium rhizomes:
-
Prepare the planting beds in advance with compost and organic material worked into the top 12 inches of soil.
-
Select a shady or partly shaded location. Improve drainage if needed.
-
Order and obtain bare root trillium rhizomes from a reputable nursery.
-
Dig holes wider and deeper than each rhizome. The roots need room to spread out.
-
Carefully place each rhizome in its hole, positioning at the same depth as planted at the nursery (the top should be level with the soil surface).
-
Spread and arrange the roots evenly around the rhizome. Never ball or bunch them up.
-
Backfill the hole with the excavated soil. Firm the soil gently around the roots without compacting too much.
-
Water thoroughly after planting to moisten the soil and settle around the roots.
-
Add a layer of shredded bark mulch over the top of the bed if desired to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
-
Water rhizomes regularly if dry weather persists after planting.
Ongoing Trillium Rhizome Care
Once planted, trillium rhizomes need minimal care besides keeping them consistently moist. Add an organic mulch layer in fall to protect the shallow roots. Fertilizer is usually not necessary in rich, compost-amended beds. Division or transplanting of established rhizomes should be avoided if possible.
Be patient, as it may take a year or two for the rhizomes to adjust and begin flowering. But once settled in, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous trillium blooms every spring for years to come! Proper planting of rhizomes in fall gives them the best start to thrive.
Where to Buy Trillium Rhizomes
Purchase trillium rhizomes from reputable online perennial nurseries or local growers who specialize in woodland or wildflower plants. Never dig trillium from the wild, as many species are becoming rare. Choose named cultivars that are not invasive in your climate.
Top picks include:
- Trillium grandiflorum (White trillium)
- Trillium erectum (Purple trillium)
- Trillium luteum (Yellow trillium)
- Trillium cuneatum (Sweet trillium)
- Trillium camschatcense (Red trillium)
With proper planting and care, trillium rhizomes will multiply over the years, creating a breathtaking spring flower display. Follow this guide for success growing these woodland treasures from rhizomes.
How to Plant a Trillium Wildflower
Trilliums don’t do well when moved from the wild, and many of them are actually in danger of going extinct, so you should buy them from a reputable nursery that knows how to take care of them. They can also be propagated from seed, though flowering will not occur right away. In fact, it can take up to four or five years to see blooms. Collect seeds in late June or early July when the seedpod has turned from white to russet brown. You can plant the seeds right away or put them in damp peat moss and put them in the fridge until you’re ready to plant them in a shady outdoor seedbed. A lot of humus, or compost, should be added to the area, and it should stay evenly moist all through the growing season. Seeds will not germinate until the second year. You can also make more trillium plants by cutting off rhizomes or dividing them when they are dormant, like in the fall or late winter before they start to grow new leaves. Cover the tuber-like rhizome with at least 2 inches (5 cm. ) of soil and space plants about 10 inches (25 cm. ) apart.
Types of Wildflower Trillium
Trilliums come in more than 40 different species, and their flowers are white, yellow, pink, red, maroon, and almost purple. Some of the most common varieties grown include:
- White trillium (T. grandiflorum): This type has dark green leaves with wavy petals and white flowers that nod. As the flowers age, they turn bright pink.
- Toadshade trillium (T. sedentary)—This species has red or purple flowers that stand upright and are surrounded by maroon and green leaves with spots on them.
- Yellow trillium (T. luteum): This type has tall, bronze- or gold-colored flowers on wavy, green leaves and a sweet, citrus-like scent.
- Purple or red trillium (T. erectum), which is also called “stinkling Benjamin,” has pretty flowers that are almost purple and smell like rotting meat.
Trilliums bloom early in the spring and go dormant by midsummer. If you grow them in the right conditions, they are easy to take care of and last a long time in the garden. For them to do well in your garden, you need to make it like where they live naturally by giving them moist, well-drained soil that is full of organic matter. These perennial wildflowers are ideal for shade gardens and wooded wildflower gardens. They make excellent companions for similar woodland wonders like crested iris, jack-in-the-pulpit, hosta, toad lily, and ferns.
Trillium transplant and division
FAQ
When to plant trillium rhizomes?
When to plant trillium bulbs in pots?
Do trilliums transplant well?
How deep does trillium root?
How do you plant a Trillium rhizome?
The goal is to have the rhizomes sitting in loosened soil, planted about two inches deep. Place the rhizomes 12 inches apart. Cover the rhizomes with soil and add water so the earth feels moist but not wet. Trilliums don’t like to be moved, but that primarily applies to actively growing plants.
When to plant Trillium rhizomes?
Timing (planting): Plant trillium rhizomes (roots) in early spring or late summer. Trilliums are shipped and planted as a bare-root for best results. Growth Habit: Trilliums grow 12 to 18 inches tall with three leaves and three petals on the flowers. The flowers range in color from white to deep red, depending on the species.
Do trilliums grow from rhizomes?
Rhizome Awareness: Remember that trilliums grow from rhizomes — horizontally growing underground stems — so give them room to spread. Once your trillium seeds are snug in the soil, patience becomes your new gardening companion. It may take several years for seedlings to develop into flowering plants. Keep these care tips in mind:
How do you grow trillium wildflowers?
Cover the tuber-like rhizome with at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of soil and space plants about 10 inches (25 cm.) apart. Once established in the garden, trillium wildflowers require little maintenance or care. As long as they have been planted in a suitable location, you need only keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.