Guide to growing Wake Robin - Trillium

Trillium are hardy perennials that reach from 15 to 45cm in height.

They have large flat leaves and bloom from early spring to early summer.

When in bloom Trillium carry flowers of white, red or pink; these may be single and large, or in whorls depending upon species.

A commonly grown member of Trillium in the garden is Wake Robin.

How to grow Trillium

it is probably easiest to grow Trillium from plants bought at a garden centre or carefully divided plants. Plant roots about 12 to 15cm deep.

If growing from seed beware that Trillium seeds may take up to three years to germinate. If growing Trillium species from seed it is perhaps easiest to start off indoors. Sow the seeds into a flat on the surface, the flat should contain a rich, slightly acidic soil (pH 5 to 6.5). Once sown cover the flat in a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for three months. The flat should then be removed from the bag and kept indoors at a temperature of 15 to 22 degrees celsius. After three months the flat should again be put in a plastic bag and refrigerated for a further three months. After this period place at 15 to 21 degrees again, hopefully the Trillium seeds will germinate this time.

Once you have Trillium seedlings they can transplanted outdoors in either autumn or spring. Trillium should be grown in a shady or mainly shady part of the garden and spaced from 12cm (small) to 30cm (large Trillium species) apart. It should take about 5 years until the plant will bear any flowers.

Caring for Trillium

Trillium are not the easiest plants to grow, but are nice enough to make the effort. They like a cool and moist soil so supply a deep permanent leaf mold mulch for them and keep well watered. If you require more plants they can be propagated by division in the spring; however do this very carefully as it is easy to destroy your Trillium plants.