Painted Trillium

Painted Trillium

The Painted Trillium is one of the most stunning perennial wildflowers of the North American eastern woodlands, and can be found from the Canadian provinces all the way down the Appalachian forests into Georgia. Also known as the painted lady, the plant's beautiful single white flower has three wavy-edged petals, each bearing a deep scarlet V. These are framed by three deep green bracts that look like leaves, lending the flower a simple elegance that can fit into any garden’s color scheme or style.

The Requirements Of Painted Trillium

Flowers appear in late spring, last several weeks, and will grow from eight to 18” tall. They can tolerate almost a wide range of garden conditions, including shade or wet. They do prefer acidic soil, which makes them a perfect companion for dogwood trees, magnolias, and other acid-loving garden plants. In some regions, the plant is known as the laurel trillium, because it is often found flourishing at the roots of woodland laurel. It will thrive even in the deepest shade, making it a perfect adornment for the shady spots in the garden that other flowers can’t manage.

Where To Plant Painted Trillium

Once the long-lasting beauty of Painted Trillium fades away, late summer to early fall is the best time to plant new ones. While it’s possible to raise the plant from seed, germination can be dauntingly long, making rhizomes or mature plants a better choice for establishing these pretty blooms in your garden. Once set in, they will slowly establish themselves and reproduce, providing you with snow-white drifts of blossom each May and June. They’re happiest in moist soil rich in organic matter. Mature plants will produce a lovely scarlet berry in the fall, and then return year after year, often for several decades.