Trillium vaseyi (Sweet Beth, Sweet wakerobin, Wood lily, Trinity flower)

Trillium vaseyi Photo/Illustration: Gene Bush



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Trillium vaseyi TRILL-ee-um VAY-see-eye Common Name: Sweet Beth, Sweet wakerobin, Wood lily, Trinity flower Genus: Trillium
This trillium bears the largest flowers in the genus—almost 4 inches across. Growing to almost 2 feet high and not quite as wide, it is also one of the tallest trilliums. Its chocolate-red blossoms (occasionally white) boast strongly curved petals and prominent stamens. They appear just beneath the leaves in mid- to late spring.
Noteworthy characteristics: Most trilliums are native to woodlands and scrub of North America. Grown in groups in a woodland or shady naturalized area, they make an elegant understory planting. Because they go dormant in summer, plant trilliums with other shade-loving perennials to share their place until they reappear the following spring. 
Care: Provide rich, moist, but well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH in partial to full shade.Add an annual mulch of rich, organic matter.
Propagation: Trilliums propagate readily by division when dormant in late summer or early fall.
Problems: Smut, rust, fungal spots, slugs, snails.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Late Spring; Spring
Flower Color Brown Flower; Red Flower; White Flower
Uses Ground Covers, Naturalizing
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest
Type Perennials

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