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alpiner_gw

Trillium grandiflorum

alpiner
18 years ago

We don't have native trilliums in our ecology so I am unfamiliar with their growth habits.

I purchase four bagged plants (T. grandiflorum) at the local garden center. I was quite surprised that after puting the roots in pots that the plants almost sprang to life and were 3 inches tall with three leaves after just four days. In 2 more days the flower bud has formed (at least I think it's the bud).

I'm curious. How long do trilliums take to flower after they emerge in the Spring? Just a couple weeks? I was hoping to transplant them into the garden in mid April for flowering but will they have finished by then?...if so, not a big deal as we can enjoy them in the house and they'll root fine for next year when they'll emerge late in the season.

Is it just a couple weeks from emerging to flower? Thanks.

Comments (7)

  • mgood4u
    18 years ago

    Hi. If memory serves me it is not very long. I am new to Trilliums. Just got some last spring and I don't remember them being in flower very long. I would guess a few weeks. But I know there are some Trillium experts around here and they can tell you for sure.

  • virginia_w
    18 years ago

    We have many native trillium grandiflorum growing in our woodland, and I have moved some to my garden. For us they emerge while the weather is still cool, in late April-early May, and so they grow more slowly than yours would inside a house. I would say, it takes a week or more for the flowers to emerge after we see the plant coming up. The flowers last for about two weeks. They are white at first, but turn pink as they are dying down. The plants go dormant in later summer, so you may not remember where they are until next spring again. The plants are slow to spread, but if you watch when you are weeding you will find tiny seedlings around the mother plant in a few years. Around here in northern Wisconsin we see woodlands totally carpeted with white when the trilliums are in bloom. Although I grew up in Wisconsin and am past retirement age now, I still get a thrill when I see this every year. Enjoy your trilliums!

  • razorback33
    18 years ago

    Just a suggestion. I grow several species of Trillium, including T. grandiflorum, in large shallow pots(5-6" deep), as well as in the garden. When the seed mature, they fall into the pots and germinate. It's easier to find and remove them to their own pot once true leaves emerge.
    Rb

  • alpiner
    Original Author
    18 years ago

    Thanks for the info and helpful hints. The sepals just 'popped out' today. These little fellows are real keeners.

    I would have thought they'd spread mostly by rhizomes but I appreciate knowing about the seeds.

    That's a good idea aout the pots. Mine will probably have seeded before I plant them out and I can keep the remaining soil in the pots, label and store them 'as is' in the ground. I've done this with other species to recognize plants that sprout long after I've forgotten them.

  • rebaru
    18 years ago

    hmm, i'm worried. i bought some rootlings at my favourite mursery a month or so ago, potted them right up and put them in the window of the garage. i haven't seen anything come up. should i take them back? are they likely dead? the original poster's came up immediately!

  • catherinet
    18 years ago

    I planted a couple about 8 years ago, and it took them forever to get going, and there's still only the ones I planted. They are blooming for me right now (central Indiana). I sure wish they'd spread though. I found a place on my way to town that is covered with them, and they are truly lovely.

  • kamala
    16 years ago

    I planted two trillium g. roots in pretty deep shade and heavy clay soil between a pittosporum and an escalonia, in an area that gets daily watering by an automatic sprinkler, back in March. They weren't there when I tried to dig them up a few minutes ago. I suppose the heavy soil rotted them; I don't know the ph. Thoughts? Experiences?

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