Red trillium (Wakerobin)

Trillium erectum

Eastern North American spring ephemeral with three deep maroon-red petals above a whorl of three broad leaves. Flowers just as the first warblers return — hence the alternative common name Wakerobin.

Hardiness ratings

Red trillium (Wakerobin) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–9 −34.4 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–7 −29 °C to −7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–3 −15 °C to 0 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Flowers April–May before the canopy closes, dies back by midsummer
  • Flowers have a faintly unpleasant scent — pollinated by carrion flies rather than bees
  • Source only nursery-propagated stock — wild collection has reduced populations in many areas
  • Needs deep humus-rich woodland soil and full deciduous shade in summer

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Red trillium (Wakerobin) against your zones

Reference

Red trillium (Wakerobin) on Wikipedia