Trillium undulatum

Common Names

Painted Trillium, Trille Ondulé, Painted Wakerobin, Painted Wake-Robin, Smiling Wake Robin, Striped Wake-Robin, Wake Robin

Summary

Painted trillium is a rhizomatous woodland perennial native to eastern North America, typically 8–18 inches tall with a whorl of three large blue-green leaves and a single white flower with undulating petals bearing a central pink V-mark, and a bright red fruit develops after flowering, it grows in deep, acidic humus-rich soils in pine, spruce, hemlock, oak, and mixed deciduous-conifer woods, usually in deep shade from 10 to 1800 meters, cultivation favors rich, humusy, slightly acidic soil with medium moisture in dappled to full shade, with regular watering during dry periods, propagation is by seed (best sown as soon as fruit ripens; germination typically 1–3 months at about 15°C; some seeds may take several years) or division of rhizomes, although the plant is generally difficult to cultivate and often difficult to transplant, it is hardy in zones 3–8 and suitable for woodland gardens and shaded naturalized areas, with mulch in fall and minimal pruning, pests such as slugs and snails and diseases like leaf spot, rust, and smut may occur

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-18 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade or full shade; tolerates sun and shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, humus-rich, well-drained woodland soil that stays moist.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

5.5-6.0, Acidic soils (low pH)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green suffused with maroon

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; spreads gradually.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Underground rhizome (vegetative spread)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts ants, yellow jackets and other wasps for seed dispersal, and insect pollinators (including bees).