Trillium kurabayashii (Giant Purple Wakerobin)

An excellent west coast native species, Trillium kurabayashii (Giant Purple Wakerobin) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial producing whorls of large, egg-shaped, green leaves handsomely marbled with purple and silver. In mid to late spring, rich deep red flowers, 4 in. tall (10 cm), appear in the center of the three-leaf whorl. Easy to grow, this charming Trillium is a lovely choice for wildflower gardens or woodland gardens, where it will carpet the ground, regaling those who view it.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 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. Mulch in fall with leaves.
• Excellent when massed in shaded woodland gardens, naturalized areas or wildflower gardens. Pretty groundcover too!
• 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 southern Oregon, northern California.