Trillium undulatum (Painted Trillium)

One of the most attractive woodlands Trilliums, Trillium undulatum (Painted Trillium) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial producing whorls of three broadly oval, basal, blue-green leaves. From mid-spring to early summer, ravishing white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a splash of pink, are borne above the leaves on a short, arching stem. Each flower has three red-edged green sepals and 3 crinkly-edged, white petals with a carmine basal stripe. 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.

• Grows up to 8-18 in. tall (20-45 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm). It 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. Keep well watered during dry weather in spring and early summer. Mulch in fall with leaves.
• Excellent when massed in shaded woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or wildflower gardens. Pretty groundcover too!
• 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 the seed is ripe; takes 5-7 years to reach flowering size. Propagate rhizomes by division after flowering
• Native to North America.