How to Grow White Trillium

The White Trillium (Trillium Grandiflorum) is a beautiful member of the Lily family. A woodland wildflower, it has a large three-petal white bloom that is two to four inches across. The plant flowers between spring and early summer. Growing a White Trillium takes care and patience. Follow these steps to learn how to grow these beautiful flowers.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand that growing White Trillium takes patience. After planting, roots grow the first year, a seed leaf will sprout the second year, and it won't be until the third year that you get a true leaf. The bloom may not come along for another five years. White Trilliums sometimes take as long as 15 years to bloom.

2. Plant the seeds at the right time. The best time is late winter or early spring.

3. Choose the right soil for your White Trilliums. The plant grow best in fertile, humus-rich well-drained soil. Ensure that the soil is neutral to slightly acidic and remains moist in the summer.

4. Pick the right place to plant White Trilliums. Select an area that is open to the morning sun and shady in the afternoon. White Trilliums are sensitive to light and cannot endure full sun exposure.

5. Keep the garden free of aggressive plants. White Trilliums are weak competitors.

6. Let old White Trilliums remain after they have bloomed so the seeds can develop. New clumps will start around your garden after ants scatter the seeds.

7. Protect your Trilliums from deer, who love to eat the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Folklore says that White Trillium was used by the women of many Native American tribes to treat female problems and facilitate childbirth. The root of the plant was viewed as a sacred female herb. (White Trillium is in no way considered safe for human consumption. Do not ingest the plant.)

Resources

• Buy White Trilliums at Easy Wildflowers online.