Species

1 other cultivar

‘Shotgun Wedding’Trillium lancifolium Shotgun Wedding

perennial

Lance-leaved Trillium

Trillium lancifolium 'Whitfield'

The Story

Plant Bio

Trillium lancifolium, the Lance-leaved Trillium, is a spring ephemeral woodland plant with three mottled, lance-shaped leaves and a sessile, three-petaled flower that is typically maroon or brownish-purple.

This species is noted for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and stalkless flowers that sit directly in the whorl of the leaves. 'Whitfield' refers to a specific collection or population.

Uses & Benefits:

Elegant, large flowers add delicate charm to shaded gardens.

Provides ground cover and prevents soil erosion in woodland settings.

Supports native pollinators and offers habitat for woodland insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in shaded areas.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Plant in rich, organic soil with plenty of leaf mulch.
Water consistently during growing season, avoiding waterlogging.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure shade and moist soil for optimal growth and flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Plant in shaded, protected areas

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, compacted soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderNaturalized shady garden bed

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Anemones Bleeding Heart Virginia Bluebells

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lance-leaved Trillium questions

What zones can Lance-leaved Trillium grow in?

Lance-leaved Trillium is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lance-leaved Trillium deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Lance-leaved Trillium, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Lance-leaved Trillium bloom?

Lance-leaved Trillium typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lance-leaved Trillium need full sun?

Lance-leaved Trillium does best in part shade.