Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium)

Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial boasting solitary, purple to wine-red flowers, 1.75 in. tall (4 cm), in mid to late spring. The upright blossoms are adorned with 3 recurved petals, their tips converging over the stamens. They are borne atop an unbranched stem and presented above a whorl of 3 large, lanceolate to rounded, dark green leaves. The leaves are especially interesting because of their mottled appearance. 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. This is one of the earliest blooming trilliums.

• 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. Mulch in fall with leaves.
• Excellent when massed in shaded woodland gardens, naturalized areas or wildflower gardens.
• 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 the eastern United States