Trillium simile

Jeweled Wakerobin  Melanthiaceae

A beautiful and rather choice member of the genus, Trillium simile is a slow-growing, rhizomatous woodland perennial from the southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and northern Georgia. It occurs in rich, mature deciduous woodland, particularly in moist coves, on shaded slopes and around seepage areas, often growing amongst Rhododendron thickets. 

In spring, the stout stems carry a whorl of three broad, dark green leaves above which appear large, flat, overlapping white petals surrounding a distinctive violet-purple ovary. The flowers are often faintly pink-tinged with age and are notably sweetly fragrant, with a scent likened to green apples.  The combination of immaculate white flowers, dark foliage and the jewel-like purple centre makes this one of the most ornamental of the white-flowered trilliums.

The name simile, meaning “similar”, refers to its resemblance to other southeastern American trilliums; Henry A. Gleason described the species in 1906. Kew currently accepts T. simile as a distinct species. 

Growing conditions: Plant in deep or dappled shade in a sheltered woodland setting, preferably in a deep, fertile soil rich in humus. It appreciates moisture during its spring growing season but absolutely requires good drainage, particularly during winter. A soil that is slightly acid to neutral is ideal. An annual mulch of leaf mould helps reproduce the cool, humus-rich conditions of its native habitat. 

It is best regarded as a plant to establish and leave undisturbed, rather than one to move regularly. Like other trilliums, it is exceptionally slow from seed because of its double dormancy; fresh seed can take two years merely to produce a recognisable shoot, with flowering several years beyond that. 

Height: 30–45cm
Spread: 15–30cm
Flowers: March–May
Position: Deep or partial shade
Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained; acid to neutral
Hardiness: H5 (approximately –15 to –10°C)
Establishment: Slow, but long-lived once established

An outstanding choice for the shaded woodland garden, particularly where it can be planted beneath deciduous trees and allowed to form an undisturbed colony over time.