Trillium

Trilliums, also known as Wood Lilies, are beautiful flowers with three petals and three leaves, hence their name. Also called Canadian Wood Lilies, they develop oval, dark green foliage that spreads regularly from year to year. The flowers with three petals can be white with the Trillium grandiflorum variety or burgundy red with the Trillium erectum. Capricious and slow-growing, Trilliums thrive in fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in shady areas. Avoid limestone soils. They are very hardy and require forest compost and mulching with dead leaves to maintain soil moisture. Trilliums are perfect companions for Hostas or ferns, in heather beds.