Double Trillium Trillium grandiflorum f. polymerum 'Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Great White Trillium or Double White Wake-Robin boasts a striking appearance characterized by its lush, green foliage and unique, showy flowers. The leaves are typically large, broad, and come in sets of three, creating a substantial green backdrop for the blooms. What sets this particular variety apart is the flowers' "double" form, meaning each blossom has more than the typical three petals. These flowers are stunning, exhibiting a layered, multipetaled look that resembles the ruffles of a petticoat. Each bloom contains numerous white petals, which give the flower a dense, textured appearance. This ornate presentation of the flower is particularly attractive and makes for a visually pleasing display against the green leaves below. The petals themselves are elegantly curved and sometimes flushed with hints of soft pink, though the blooms are primarily a bright, dynamic white. At the center, the reproductive parts of the flowers are usually obscured by the multitude of petals, adding to the dense and plush appearance of each blossom. Overall, this plant presents a captivating natural spectacle with its decorative double blooms, poised gracefully atop the trio of dark green leaves, creating an alluring contrast of color and form.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Double White Trillium, Large-flowered Trillium, Great White Trillium, Snow Trillium.
Common names
Trillium grandiflorum var. polymerum (J.E. Zetterl.) Wherry, Trillium grandiflorum forma polymerum (Michx.) Fernald.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the double-flowered large white trillium is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Consequently, symptoms of poisoning are not established for this particular variety of trillium.
To pets
The double-flowered large white trillium is generally not considered toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingesting this plant causes poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats. Hence, there are no specific symptoms associated with toxicity from this plant for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Trillium grandiflorum, commonly known as great white trillium, possesses a unique charm with its double-flowered 'Flore Pleno' variety, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Native Species Conservation: Being a native woodland plant, it supports local ecosystems and contributes to the conservation of native flora.
- Pollinator Attraction: Great white trillium attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Spring Interest: This trillium species is a spring ephemeral, providing early-season interest in gardens and woodlands with its striking flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Once established in appropriate conditions, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for low-maintenance gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: Great white trillium thrives in shady conditions, offering a flowering option for garden areas with limited sunlight.
- Naturalizing: It can spread and naturalize over time, creating a more extensive and sustainable planting area.
- Erosion Control: Its habit of growing in colonies can help stabilize soil and control erosion, especially in wooded or naturalized areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: The foliage and flowers provide habitat and food sources for a variety of wildlife, including insects and small mammals.
- Seasonal Ground Cover: The broad leaves of great white trillium provide an attractive ground cover in the spring, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden photography: The unique double-flowered form of Trillium grandiflorum makes it an excellent subject for garden photographers looking to capture the beauty of ornamental plants.
- Natural dye: The petals of Trillium grandiflorum can be used to create a natural dye for coloring fabrics or yarns, offering a range of soft pink to purple hues.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach botany students about plant morphology, especially the characteristics of double flowers.
- Symbolic gift: Due to its beauty and rarity, Trillium grandiflorum may be gifted as a symbol of elegance and pristine nature, embodying a special message in the language of flowers.
- Wedding decor: The delicate and showy flowers of Trillium grandiflorum can be used in wedding bouquets or as part of table arrangements for a natural woodland theme.
- Artistic inspiration: The form and color of Trillium grandiflorum can provide inspiration for artists and craftspeople, influencing designs in pottery, textiles, and other visual arts.
- Conservation education: This variety of Trillium can be utilized in conservation programs to teach the importance of preserving native species and their habitats.
- Culinary decoration: Though not widely known for culinary uses, the petals could be used as an edible decoration on desserts or in salads after ensuring they are safe and free of any pesticides.
- Biological study: Trillium grandiflorum can be a focus of study for botanists interested in floral development, particularly how floriculture can lead to double-flowered varieties.
- Theme gardens: This plant is well-suited for inclusion in themed gardens, such as fairy gardens or other imaginative garden designs seeking to create an enchanting atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Trillium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Trillium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The white color of the Great White Trillium's petals is often associated with purity and innocence.
- Elegance: Its elegant shape and form can symbolize sophistication and grace.
- Recovery: Trilliums are known to take their time to reappear after being disturbed, symbolizing resilience and recovery.
- Trinity: With its three petals, the trillium is often associated with concepts of trinity, such as body, mind, and spirit in various cultures.
- Balance: The threefold symmetry of the plant, with its leaves, petals, and sepals, can symbolize balance and harmony.
WaterDouble Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum 'Flore Pleno') requires even moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In dry conditions, increase watering to twice a week. Each watering should consist of about one gallon of water per square yard of soil, depending on soil type and local weather conditions. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent damage to the flowers and to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDouble Trillium prefers dappled sunlight or part shade. It thrives best under the canopy of deciduous trees where it receives filtered light. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves and flowers of the plant. The ideal spot is one where it can receive morning sun and afternoon shade or consistent filtered light throughout the day.
TemperatureDouble Trillium grows best in temperatures that mirror its native woodland habitat. It prefers a range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees and maximum temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost can damage new growth, so it's ideal to ensure that the plant is sheltered from late spring frosts.
PruningDouble Trillium typically does not require regular pruning. However, removing faded or dead flowers after blooming can promote plant health and potentially encourage more blooms the following season. If any leaves or stems become damaged or diseased, they should be trimmed off to prevent the spread of infection. Pruning is best performed in late spring or early summer, after the plant has flowered.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDouble-flowered White Trillium thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7. A mixture of loam, leaf mold, or peat moss, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal for optimal growth.
RepottingDouble-flowered White Trillium generally does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years when grown in a container to replenish the soil.
Humidity & MistingDouble-flowered White Trillium prefers moderate to high humidity levels, thriving in conditions that mimic their native woodland habitat, typically around 50% to 70% humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use a rich, well-draining soil mix and provide filtered light.
Outdoor
Place in dappled shade with rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleTrillium grandiflorum f. polymerum 'Flore Pleno', also known as double-flowered large white trillium, begins its life cycle when its seeds are dispersed by ants, a process known as myrmecochory, which provides the seed with an initial location to germinate. The plant emerges from a rhizome and starts its growth as a seedling in the spring, sprouting through the leaf litter in the forest understory where it can find the cool, moist conditions it favors. Once above ground, the plant undergoes vegetative growth, developing a single stem with a whorl of three leaves and a white, double-flowered blossom that opens atop the stem, typically blooming in late April to early June. After pollination, commonly by bumblebees, the flower develops into a berry-like fruit that ripens by late summer, containing seeds ready for dispersal. The above-ground parts of the plant die back after seeding, entering a period of dormancy during the winter while the rhizome remains alive underground. The plant resprouts each spring, repeating this cycle and slowly expanding through clonal growth from the rhizome, and can live for many years, slowly reaching maturity and flowering over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Trillium grandiflorum f. polymerum 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as double-flowered large-flowered trillium, is typically propagated by division rather than from seed, as the double-flowered form does not come true from seed. The best time to divide trilliums is in late summer to early fall, after they have gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root system intact. Then, gently separate the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with at least one growth point or eye. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 6 to 12 inches apart (approximately 15 to 30 centimeters), and water them well. This method ensures that the new plants retain the characteristics of the double-flowered 'Flore Pleno' form.
