Trillium flower has lovable common
names such as whippoorwill flower, wake-robin, toadshade and sweet Betsy.
Trillium plant is a member of the lily family, they have plant parts in threes
and bloom scents like fruit or rotting meat which attract pollinating insects like
gnats.
How to grow Trillium
flower
Trillium plants are native to eastern
North America, the West Coast and Asia. Trillium has over 40 species, divided
into 2 groups which are pedunculated (with flowers on a stalk or peduncle) and
sessile (with flowers flush against the leaves). Trilliums plants take 4 to 7
years to reach flowering age.
Hardiness zone: This plant is native
to zones as high as 9 and as low as 3. Trilliums plants can often be grown out
of their natural ranges between north and south, however the translation
between East and West coasts is less successful. West Coast species actually prefer
a mild maritime climate.
The plant exposure: As woodland
wildflowers the plant prefers high shade, although there are some species that can
take a little sun. Make sure you protect the plant from bright noonday sun, and
also avoid western exposures. Deeper shade is really fine in summer, but the
extreme darkness of evergreens can keep the trillium plant from thriving.
The soil requirement: To achieve best
growth, plant the Trilliums in a rich, loamy or humusy soil with a very good
drainage and neutral pH. There are some species that prefer limestone-based
soils, some also prefer acidic soils. Trillium plant can take ample water when
flowering, but they also prefer a dry dormancy period (late summer through
winter).
Plant care: During planting you can add
leaf mold or an organic fertilizer. This particular plant does not require
regular fertilizing, although they benefit from an application in late winter.
Alkaline-soil lovers appreciate a yearly dusting of lime. Despite the depth of the wild rhizomes, most trilliums actually prefer shallower planting in the garden,
three or four inches down. You can remove the thick leaf litter so that the seedlings
can take hold. If you are purchasing trilliums, make sure you look for nursery-propagated
ones.
Post a Comment