Growing Trillium (Wake Robin)

Pronunciation: trill'ee-um  

Trillium is at home in woodland conditions: partial shade or shade cast by deciduous trees and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Improve sandy and heavy clay soils with compost and mulch in spring to help keep the soil evenly moist. Plants go dormant by midsummer.

Interplant with Ferns or Hostas, which fill gaps that the Trilliums leave behind. Mark the location of the Trilliums to avoid damaging their roots when digging late in the season. If you can't tell top from bottom, plant the rootstock horizontally.