Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium)

Quite showy, Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium) is a vigorous clump-forming perennial with erect stems clad with a whorl of 3 broadly ovate leaves. From the center of the leaf whorl emerges a solitary, white flower in spring, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with 3 recurved petals.

Quite showy, Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium) is a vigorous clump-forming perennial with erect stems clad with a whorl of 3 broadly ovate leaves. From the center of the leaf whorl emerges a solitary, white flower in spring, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with 3 recurved petals. Long-lasting, the large blossoms turn pale pink as they age and give way to berry-like capsules. Easy to grow, this graceful Trillium is a lovely choice for wildflower gardens or woodland gardens. Perhaps the most popular of all the species.

  • 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). Will spread gradually if left undisturbed.
  • Performs best in part shade or full shade, in deep, humus-rich, acid to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Keep well watered during dry weather in spring and early summer. Mulch in fall with leaves.
  • Excellent when massed in shaded beds and borders, underplanting shrubs or roses.
  • Because trilliums go dormant by midsummer, pair them with other shade-loving perennials that will look good the rest of the gardening season and share their place until they reappear the following spring.
  • Generally disease free, this plant requires little maintenance. Watch out for slugs and snails.
  • The best time for planting is late summer or early fall as it gives the rhizomes time to establish good root systems before the following growing season.
  • 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
  • Native to eastern North America

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 3
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Trillium – Wake Robins
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
(30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage