461 saves

Trillium

We track 26 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.

26 varieties10 speciesZones 4–9Shade friendly

The 24 most-saved Trillium varieties

See all 26 Trillium varieties →Search this genus →

10 species of Trillium

Each one is a parent of the varieties above.

Track your Trillium in Sow

Save the Trillium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.

How to grow Trillium

Whats common across all Trillium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 26 most-grown of them.

The Trillium year

  • MulchNovember and December92% of varieties

    Maintain a thick layer of leaf mulch to keep roots cool and moist.

  • PlantSeptember–November88% of varieties

    Plant dormant rhizomes in late fall, shallowly in rich, moist soil.

  • FertilizeApril54% of varieties

    Apply a light top dressing of compost or leaf mold in early spring.

  • DivideAugust and September35% of varieties

    Divide large, crowded clumps every 5-10 years when dormant

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Fertilize with organic compost in early spring
  • Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
  • Plant in shaded areas with rich soil

Avoid

  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t expose to direct, hot sunlight

What goes wrong with Trillium

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
SlugsChewed leaves and damaged stemsUse organic slug bait or handpick at night
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesApply insecticidal soap or neem oil
Slugs and snailsChewed leaves and flowersUse organic slug bait or handpick pests
Root rotWilting and browning leavesEnsure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering
Root rotWilting and yellowing leavesImprove drainage and reduce watering
Fungal leaf spotsSpots on leavesRemove affected leaves and improve air circulation
Powdery mildewWhite, powdery fungal growth on the surfaces of the bracts.Avoid stagnant air conditions by ensuring adequate spacing and ventilation.

Making more Trillium

Division

  1. Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall
  2. Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil

Seed sowing

  1. Collect mature seeds in late spring
  2. Tuck seeds into moist soil surface
  3. Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
  4. Transplant seedlings once established

Trillium questions

How many types of Trillium are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 26 distinct Trillium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 461 real gardeners — are shown first above.

What zones does Trillium grow in?

Across its varieties, Trillium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Trillium bloom?

Most Trillium varieties bloom in early spring, mid to late spring, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Trillium should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring