Trillium erectum Red

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Trillium erectum, also known as red trillium or red wake robin, is a treasured native woodland wildflower that grows 12 to 18 inches tall. Each unbranched stem bears a whorl of three ovate bracts topped with a nodding, three-petaled flower in a deep purple hue, followed by berry-like fruits that attract songbirds. Blooming in spring, this rhizomatous perennial slowly forms clumps and thrives undisturbed for decades.

Native to North America, Trillium erectum is a hardy perennial (Zones 3-9) ideal for naturalizing under trees or in shaded woodland gardens. Sadly, red trillium populations in the wild are now endangered, but you can support their survival by planting them in your garden. Our plants are nursery-propagated and always commercially grown, never harvested from the wild. It pairs beautifully with ferns and thrives in organically rich, slightly acidic soil with medium moisture and good drainage. Requiring little maintenance once established, red trillium is a resilient choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Plant red trillium roots in spring, spacing them 12 to 24 inches apart and burying them 2 inches deep. A perfect addition to eco-conscious gardens, native plants like Trillium erectum promote biodiversity, support pollinators, and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.