Trillium erectum (Red Trillium)

Trillium erectum (Red Trillium) is a clump-forming perennial with erect stems clad with a whorl of 3 diamond-shaped leaves. Perched above the leaves is a ravishing, solitary, nodding, crimson flower, up to 2-4 in. across (5-9 cm), adorned with 3 recurved petals in spring. The blossoms are unpleasantly fragrant, producing a scent that attracts pollinating flies. They last about 2-3 weeks and give way to fleshy, berry-like fruit. Birds and mammals feast on them. This Trillium enjoys good garden vigor and becomes a significant flowering clump faster than most other trilliums. The number of flowering stems reflects the size of the plant's rhizome. A large plant can boast 3-5 flowering stems, each with a single flower and 3 leaves.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
• Performs best in part shade or full shade, in deep, humus-rich, acid to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Mulch in fall with leaves.
• Excellent when massed in shaded beds and borders, underplanting shrubs or roses.
• Generally disease free, this plant requires little maintenance. Watch out for slugs and snails.
• Propagate by seed in pots in a shady cold frame as soon as seed is ripe; takes 5-7 years to reach flowering size. Propagate rhizomes by division after flowering or cut out the growing point from the rhizome after flowering, which stimulates the formation of offsets.
• Plant in early fall or in early spring.
• Native to eastern North America