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Position

Sun exposure:
Full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing
Position in border:
Middle
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Trilliums are spring-flowering woodland plants, native to North America and Asia. Some have bright flowers and variegated foliage, others have fresh green leaves and white flowers. They thrive in sheltered, shady gardens in moist but well-drained soil.

Trillium chloropetalum is a California native with marbled, clover-like foliage, which contrasts with three-cornered, burgundy flowers from late spring to early summer. The foliage looks good long after the flowers are over. This is a superb plant for a woodland garden, and it associates well with plants such as erythroniums, which like the same conditions. Once established it dislikes disturbance.

For best results grow Trillium chloropetalum in moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in shade. Plants may be propagated from seed but will take three years to flower. Given the right conditions, established plants are long-lived.

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Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes

Trillium and wildlife

Trillium has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Trillium poisonous?

Trillium toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its roots are toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
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