Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled to full shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 40cm
Eventual Spread: 30cm
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Melanthiaceae
Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a spreading habit. Its dark green leaves are almost stalk-less, ovate to rhombic with an acuminate tip and entire margins, are up to 20cm long and 20cm broad and appear in groups of three. Its deep red flowers contain three petals, are up to 9cm across and small of rotting meat. Its fruit are dark maroon and up to 15mm across. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes.
The species Trillium erectum, commonly known as Wake Robin, Red Trillium, Purple Trillium, Beth Root or Stinking Benjamin, is native to east and north east North America. In its native habitat it grows in deciduous forests.
The etymological root of the binomial name Trillium is derived from the Latin triplum meaning ‘triple’, referring to the three-parted flowers common to the genus. Erectum is from the Latin meaning ‘erect’.
The landscape architect may find Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ useful as a low growing ground cover plant in shady locations, particularly in woodland locations.
Ecologically, Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ is attractive to flies which enjoy the smell or rotting meat. It attracts ants as the elaiosome of the seed will evoke their corpse-carrying behavior, their seeds are also spread by wasps and Harvestmen.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the species Trillium erectum their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ Flower (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil.
Trillium erectum ‘Kew Beauty’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided after flowering.