Trillium undulatum aka Paint Trillium
Taxonomy
Trillium undulatum, also known as painted trillium, painted lady, or striped wake-robin, is a native perennial herbaceous plant in the Melanthiaceae family. It spreads through underground rhizomes and produces a single erect stem in the spring that supports a white flower with dark red to purple at the base. The flower has wavy edges on its petals, which is where the specific epithet undulatum comes from. The plant is commonly found in the mountains of the southeastern United States, but can also be found as far north as Ontario and Nova Scotia and as far west as Michigan. The plant has three large leaf-like bracts arranged in a whorl around the stem, each with a definite petiole. It is also known as smiling wake robin and trille ondulé in French.
Common names
Paint Trillium, Painted Trillium, Painted Wood Lily, Painted Lady, Trille OndulHow to care for Paint Trillium
Difficulty
Paint Trillium requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Paint Trillium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Paint Trillium loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Paint Trillium to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Paint Trillium is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The growth of Paint Trillium is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Paint Trillium’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario and Wisconsin, south to Georgia and Missouri.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Trillium Genus
Trillium foetidissimum Mississippi River Wakerobin
Trillium vaseyi Sweet Wakerobin
Trillium grandiflorum Great White Trillium
Trillium chloropetalum Giant Trillium
Trillium luteum Yellow Wakerobin
Trillium recurvatum Bloody Butcher
Trillium ovatum Pacific Trillium
Trillium cuneatum Little Sweet Betsy
Trillium pusillum Dwarf Trillium
