Red trillium (Trillium erectum) TRILL-ee-um ee-REK-tum Genus:  Trillium This trillium has upright or outward-facing blossoms of chocolate or reddish-purple, or occasionally white or yellow. At close range, it bears an unpleasant scent. It blooms in mid- to late spring, and grows from 14-20 inches tall and a foot wide. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Most trilliums are native to woodlands and scrub of North America. They make elegant understory plants when grouped in a woodland or shady, naturalized area. Since they go dormant in the summer, plant trilliums with other shade-loving perennials to share their place until they reappear the following spring.  Care:  Provide rich, moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Plant in full to part shade and add an annual mulch of rich organic matter. Propagation:  Trilliums propagate readily by division when plants are dormant in late summer or early fall. Problems:  Smut, rust, fungal spots, slugs, snails.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Part Shade to Full Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Late Spring, Spring Flower Color Brown, Red, White, Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing Style Shade, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials