How to grow Trillium erectum
Trillium’s name comes from ‘Tri’ meaning three. Trilliums grow in threes: they have three petals and three leaves on each stalk. While they take their time establishing, they are long-lived plants, with a lifespan of 25 years and, furthermore, they are perennial in nature.
Native to the US and eastern Canada, Trillium erectum - in its natural habitat - is able to synchronise its life cycle with the forests in which it lives. The flowers from Trillium erectum also come with a very interesting aroma.
Diamond-shaped leaves, erect stems and red/purple petals with dark ovaries make Trillium erectum an unusual, perhaps even exotic, looking plant. Growing up to 60cm in height and 30cm in spread, Trillium erectum is best placed at the front of a border or flower bed, placed neatly between shrubs and trees that provide much-needed shelter.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Trillium erectum
Plant Trillium erectum in the late summer months in deep, well-draining soil. Planting in the late summer gives your plant the best chance possible of establishing rhizomes - which can sometimes be tricky. Ideally, you will plant your Trillium erectum in a raised bed; you can do so by creating a mound 10cm above the normal soil level. Position Trillium erectum between shrubs and trees in a spot with partial shade.
How to plant Trillium erectum
The most important thing to remember when planting Trillium erectum is that it needs moist, well-draining soil. Raised beds are the perfect solution, combined with a mixture of soil, sand and loam
Find a position between other shrubs and trees that is exposed to a maximum of 4 hours of sun per day. This ensures that your Trillium will benefit from the shelter and minimum exposure to the elements
Dig a hole for the roots that is at least 7cm deep and bury the root ball in the soil
Back fill then water thoroughly after planting and mulch once a year in the spring
What to plant with Trillum erectum
Trillium erectum is the perfect plant to place between shrubs or deciduous trees. Its short stature means it will struggle in an area exposed to wind and full sun - shrubs and trees can provide much-needed shelter. Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple - is one good pick, where its pink blooms can provide a vibrant centrepiece. Daphne shrubs can also add a touch of pink and white paired with fragrant flowers - they flower in summer and autumn and enjoy partial shade. Finally, Solanum jasminoides or Potato Vine grow 6 metres tall, provide long-lasting flowers and scents of Jasmine.
How to care for Trillium erectum
Pruning & Deadheading
While no regular pruning is needed, you should trim off the flowers from your Trillium erectum once they begin to wilt and fade after summer. As always, remove any diseased or damaged leaves. The stems do not need cutting back as they will die back naturally in autumn.
Watering
Trillium erectum needs thorough watering, especially in periods of drought or warm weather. Prevent overwatering by planting in well-draining soil.
Cold Protection
As a fully hardy perennial, Trillium erectum needs minimal cold protection. It can survive in temperatures as low as -35°C and will die back from October.
Pests & Diseases
Trillium erectum does not suffer from any major diseases, but slugs and snails can cause problems. Look out for irregularly shaped holes in the leaves and silver slimy trails. Root rot can also be an issue - this is caused by overwatering and stops the plant from getting the oxygen it needs. Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
How to propagate Trillium erectum
The most effective way to propagate your Trillium erectum is by division. You can also propagate from seed, although this can take 5-7 years. So, division is a much quicker and more efficient method of growing this plant, particularly as it takes so long to multiply
Start by gently pulling out a healthy parent plant once flowering season is over. Using clean and disinfected scissors or a knife, pry a root clump away from the parent. Do not cut off more than ⅓ of the parent plant in the process
Re-plant your parent as soon as possible and add your division cutting to a pot full of cuttings compost. You can also add slow-release fertiliser to the compost to encourage healthy growth. If you have multiple cuttings, give each their own pot to establish roots in. Bring the cuttings indoors into a controlled, warm and dry environment away from direct sunlight.
As your division cuttings grow, continue to re-pot into bigger pots until they are ready for transplantation outdoors. The best time to do this is in the late summer.
Common Trillium Erectum Questions
Is Trillium erectum easy to grow?
Trillium erectum can be grown easily although it takes a long time to spread. Multiplication can take up to 4 years. However, they can live as long as 25 years!
Does Trillium erectum like sun or shade?
Trillium erectum enjoys partial shade, which means it will also enjoy a small amount of sun; up to 4 hours a day of sun is plenty for Trillium to thrive.
How do you take care of Trillium erectum?
The main thing to remember when it comes to Trillium erectum is to plant the roots deep and keep the soil moist. However, soggy soil will lead to problems for Trillium including root rot. So, make sure that your Trillium erectum is planted in well-draining soil.