Trillium chloropetalum

Trilliums are spring-flowering woodland plants, native to North America and Asia. Some have bright flowers and variegated foliage, others have fresh green leaves and white flowers. They thrive in sheltered, shady gardens in moist but well-drained soil.

Trillium chloropetalum is a California native with marbled, clover-like foliage, which contrasts with three-cornered, burgundy flowers from late spring to early summer. The foliage looks good long after the flowers are over. This is a superb plant for a woodland garden, and it associates well with plants such as erythroniums, which like the same conditions. Once established it dislikes disturbance.

For best results grow Trillium chloropetalum in moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in shade. Plants may be propagated from seed but will take three years to flower. Given the right conditions, established plants are long-lived.