Alphabetical Plant Listing

Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium)

Prairie Trillium, Bloody Butcher


Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial boasting solitary, purple to wine-red flowers, 1.75 in. tall (4 cm), in mid to late spring. The upright blossoms are adorned with 3 recurved petals, their tips converging over the stamens. They are borne atop an unbranched stem and presented above a whorl of 3 large, lanceolate to rounded, dark green leaves. The leaves are especially interesting because of their mottled appearance. Easy to grow, this charming Trillium is a lovely choice for wildflower gardens or woodland gardens, where it will carpet the ground, regaling those who view it. This is one of the earliest blooming trilliums.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm). Will spread gradually if left undisturbed.
  • Performs best in part shade or full shade, in deep, humus-rich, acid to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Mulch in fall with leaves.
  • Excellent when massed in shaded woodland gardens, naturalized areas or wildflower gardens.
  • Because trilliums go dormant by midsummer, pair them with other shade-loving perennials that will look good the rest of the gardening season and share their place until they reappear the following spring.
  • Generally disease free, this plant requires little maintenance. Watch out for slugs and snails.
  • The best time for planting is late summer or early fall as it gives the rhizomes time to establish good root systems before the following growing season.
  • Propagate by seed in pots in a shady cold frame as soon as seed is ripe; takes 5-7 years to reach flowering size. Propagate rhizomes by division after flowering
  • Native to the eastern United States

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Trillium - Wake Robins
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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By Mike Truchon, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Trillium - Wake Robins
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Trillium - Wake Robins

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