Trillium ovatum (Western Trillium)
Trillium ovatum (Western Trillium) is a 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, pure white flower in late winter to late spring, adorned with 3 recurved petals and golden yellow anthers. Long-lasting, the large and charming blossoms turn pale pink as they age and give way to berry-like capsules.
Trillium ovatum (Western 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, pure white flower in late winter to late spring, adorned with 3 recurved petals and golden yellow anthers. Long-lasting, the large and charming blossoms turn pale pink as they age and give way to berry-like capsules. Western Trillium is a very long-lived species that is primarily pollinated by beetles, moths, and bumblebees. Easy to grow, this graceful Trillium is a lovely choice for wildflower gardens or woodland gardens.
- Grows up to 10-18 in. tall (25-45 cm) and 8-12 in. wide (20-30 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.
- Propagate by rhizome division (in fall) or seed. Seeds do best when planted outdoors soon after fruits have ripened. 1 month stratification is necessary.
- Young plants can take 3-5 years to bloom and another 5-8 years to develop into a lovely clump.
- Native to western North America
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 5 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Trillium – Wake Robins |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early)Winter |
Height | 10" – 2' (25cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 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 | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |