Trillium luteum
birthroot bulbs
These spring-flowering plants are sought after for their attractively mottled foliage and long-lasting, lemon-scented flowers, which are framed by a set of three slender sepals. They make a welcome sight when allowed to spread naturally in a woodland setting, or when dotted through the front of a partially shaded border.
These plants are quite hard to grow, and they will usually take some time to become well-established. Therefore, they are better suited to either patient or more experienced gardeners.
These plants are quite hard to grow, and they will usually take some time to become well-established. Therefore, they are better suited to either patient or more experienced gardeners.
How to care for Trillium luteum:
Plant rhizomes 5cm (2in) deep and 5cm (2in) apart in autumn, ideally in a part-shade, sheltered spot with rich, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Once planted, they should be left largely undisturbed to establish and gradually spread over the years.
Apply a generous autumn mulch of leaf mould or well-rotted compost to protect the rhizomes over winter and help retain moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, and remove any weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.
Once established, the plants require only modest maintenance, and cutting back old foliage in late autumn or early winter keeps the bed tidy without harming the rhizomes.
Apply a generous autumn mulch of leaf mould or well-rotted compost to protect the rhizomes over winter and help retain moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, and remove any weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.
Once established, the plants require only modest maintenance, and cutting back old foliage in late autumn or early winter keeps the bed tidy without harming the rhizomes.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
0.2m
Position:
Full sun / light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
1 × rhizome
£9.99
available to order from summer
Unavailable
3 × rhizomes
£27.00
£9.00 each
available to order from summer
Unavailable
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