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Key characteristics

Family: Melanthiaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches
Width: 12 to 18 inches
Flower color: Deep burgundy to blood red three petaled flowers with dark purple stamens
Foliage color: Medium to dark green leaves often mottled with bronze maroon or darker green markings
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Consistent moisture during the growing season
Maintenance: Low; allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering; divide only when clumps become crowded
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Native bees early season pollinators and ants that disperse the seeds

Perennials

Trillium chloropetalum 'Volcano'

Volcano Giant Trillium

Trillium chloropetalum 'Volcano' emerges in early spring with a whorl of three broad, slightly wavy leaves that form a balanced platform above the soil. The rich green foliage highlights a solitary, upright flower held at the center. In mid to late spring, thick petals unfold in deep maroon to near-black tones with a satiny surface. The bold coloration and substantial petals give the bloom a dramatic presence while the tidy three-leaf arrangement maintains a refined woodland character.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Consistent moisture during the growing season

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Ferns

Design tip

Winter interest is the reason to grow it, so keep it near an entry where the bloom is noticed. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.