red trillium
Trillium erectum
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red , pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Red trillium (Trillium erectum) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland gardens, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. A single nodding crimson flower sits above one whorl of broad, diamond-shaped leaves. The flower smells foul, which attracts carrion flies that pollinate it. Birds and mammals eat the berries that follow.
Pairs well with Bellwort, Fringed bleeding heart, and Western sword fern.
Native range
North America.