Who says native plants aren’t lovely? Giant purple wakerobin, or Trillium kurabayashii, is just one of the uncommon beauties found in our local forests.
I love the mottled leaves, which rival those of Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ for interest in the shade garden, but the blackish-burgundy blooms seal the deal for me and make this a must-have plant in any forested garden in Humboldt.
While they’re not super-difficult to grow, they do need rich, composty soil that is well-drained, as well as partial shade to establish.
They’re not for the impatient gardener, but if you’re living in your dream home among the redwoods, this plant is well worth taking the time to establish as once it’s going strong, it’s relatively care-free and easy to grow.
Giant purple wakerobin is just starting to bloom in Humboldt, so head on out for a forest walk if you’d like to see these beauties in the wild!
Photos and inspiration courtesy Janette Heartwood.
You can buy Trillium kurabayashii here at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Photographer Mark Turner talks about this plant on his site about Pacific Northwest Wildflowers
9 responses to “Humboldt’s Gothic Princess: Giant Purple Wakerobin”
I have that. It is the earliest blooming of the trilliums in my garden. I need more.
I do love Trilliums, but I’ve never seen one like this. Our natives up north are much smaller. I am encouraged that Deirdre has the plant in her Seattle garden, I will have to look for this one to add to my shady space. Although my large trees aren’t the venerable Redwood, my small little stand of Douglas fir should suffice. :^)
I do love Trilliums, but I’ve never seen one like this. Our natives up north are much smaller. I am encouraged that Deirdre has the plant in her Seattle garden, I will have to look for this one to add to my shady space. Although my large trees aren’t the venerable Redwood, my small little stand of Douglas fir should suffice. :^)
How beautiful! I’m having northwest gardening lust.
It’s easy to develop. So many people stereotype our natives as boring or limiting, but I see some serious hawtness here for garden geeks that want to go native! 🙂
I have a Midwestern native that looks like a miniature version of this.
Oooh, neat Jason!
I have a Midwestern native that looks like a miniature version of this.
I really prize the trilliums in my garden. They are just now starting to bloom. Thank your for sharing your photos.