Red Trillium blooms for up to three weeks before giving way to the berry-like fruits, which are eaten by birds and mammals. Although it is one of the hardiest Trilliums, and native to deciduous forests of the Northeast, it needs to receive ample …
Red Trillium blooms for up to three weeks before giving way to the berry-like fruits, which are eaten by birds and mammals. Although it is one of the hardiest Trilliums, and native to deciduous forests of the Northeast, it needs to receive ample sunlight early in its growing season. For this reason avoid planting it on the north side of buildings, or areas where the sun doesn't warm the ground. Best planted in groups, this spring ephemeral combines well with other low-growing woodland wildflowers such as Virginia Bluebells and Shootingstar. Once established Red Trillium will form a clump with an increasing number of flowers. The established clumps can be divided in summer.
Trillium erectum requires a rich soil with consistent moisture and should be mulched with leaves to help maintain adequate moisture and acidity levels.
Planting and Cultivation Notes
Leave the leaves! This woodland species appreciates a generous covering of leaves in the fall – it is not necessary to shred the leafy mulch. We recommend planting ephemerals – which we offer in bare root format – in early fall while the soil is still warm, or in early spring. Spring installations will have some time to develop before summer dormancy, but most likely they will not produce flowers the first year. An early fall planting allows the roots time to establish properly before winter, and gives the plants a stronger start the following spring.
Native plants can be grown outside of their native range in the appropriate growing conditions. This map shows the native range, as well as the introduced range, of this species.
Plant Shipping Rates: for plant orders up to $50 the shipping amount is $9.95. For plant orders from $50.01 and over, the shipping rate is 20% of the total plant cost.
Fall plant-shipping begins on September 9, 2024. The last day to order your plants for fall shipment is September 29.
During checkout, you will be asked to choose a Shipping Week for your plant delivery, from the dates that are available. The week that you choose will be included in your order confirmation email. When your plants ship you will receive an email that includes your tracking information.
I have never tried bareroot plants before. Do you provide instructions for success with bare root planting? Also, is fall a good time for bare root planting?
Yes, we do send instructions for bare root planting with every plant shipment. The planting brochure that we send can also be found here on our website: prairienursery.com/resources-guides/how-to-transplant-bare-root-plants/
Fall is a great time for installing bare root plants. Early spring is also fine. We recommend planting ephemerals – which we offer in bare root format – in early fall while the soil is still warm, or in early spring. Spring installations will have some time to develop before summer dormancy, but they might not have time to produce flowers the first year. An early fall planting allows the roots time to establish properly before winter, and gives the plants a stronger start the following spring.
I received my spring order today. It's very hot and dry in Northern Michigan. Can I wait to plant the trillium corms until the fall and should I refrigerate them until then?
The bare root material that you receive in the spring should be planted right away, in spring, even if the temps have warmed. By this time your planting area should be experiencing full shade. Make sure the Trillium corms are planted at least 4" deep. Prepare the soil so that it is loose, and weed-free. Loose, rich soil is best. Firmly tamp the soil around the corms. You are looking for good soil contact, and good depth, in well prepared soil. The planted area can be watered, but does not need to be kept wet. Mulch the area Generously with leaves. The leaves will help greatly in keeping the soil temps down.
If refrigerated now, the plant may experience that as an additional cold/warm cycle which could cause problems.
Does Trillium grow well near/under spruce and pines?
Yes, Trilliums will grow under pine trees and other conifers : White Pine, Red Spruce, Balsam Fir and Eastern Hemlock to name a few. Some spruce trees have branches that reach to the ground. In that case the trillium may not grow, because the descending branches would keep them from receiving the sunlight needed, in early spring.
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