Collection of Two Trilliums

 The collection consists of:

- x 1 Trillium erectum, with flowers made of 3 dark red petals and 3 green sepals, measuring 5 cm (2in) in diameter, standing 3-4 cm (1-2in) above the cluster of broad medium-green leaves. The flowers, with an unpleasant fragrance, are pollinated by flies. They bloom in April-May, 40 cm (16in) above the ground. It is a plant that prefers acidic soil (pH <6.8).

- x 1 Trillium grandiflorum, with large inclined white flowers, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in diameter, rising above the cluster of dark green leaves. Blooms from March to May depending on the climate, 25-35 cm (10-14in) above the ground. This species tolerates limestone soils.

Trilliums are plants belonging to the Melanthiaceae or Liliaceae family, depending on the classification. They are perennial through their rhizomes, which take time to establish and spread very slowly in rich, well-drained, and moist soils. They follow the same growth cycle as deciduous trees under which they grow: they develop in spring and go dormant as soon as the soil dries out, during the summer or in autumn due to cold weather. The plant produces shoots in spring, carrying only 3 beautiful leaves.

The flowering takes place in April-May, earlier or later depending on the climate, usually above the trio of leaves, at the tip of the stems. The flower is borne on a more or less erect or pendulous peduncle. It consists of 3 more or less undulate petals. Pollination is carried out by insects. The flowers give way to berries. In Trilliums, the seeds are dispersed by ants. Plants grown from seeds can take several years to flower.

A bit slow to establish and demanding in terms of growing conditions, Trilliums are faithful, long-lasting, and require little care where they thrive. They can be planted in woodland or dappled sunlight (introduce several plants in a small area), in rich but well-drained soil that remains moist for as long as possible. They can be paired with other small perennials that thrive in similar conditions but have different flowering times or interesting foliage, such as Ophiopogons, Saxifrages, small ferns, Asarums... They can also be grown in pots, with careful monitoring of watering. Whether in the ground or in pots, they always pair well with Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, which takes over after their flowering.

The Latin name Trillium comes from the fact that the different parts of these plants are in threes: from the unique cluster of three leaves on each stem to the construction of the flower, composed of 3 green sepals, 3 colored petals, six stamens, and 3 fused carpels.