Trillium tschonoskii
Family: Trilliaceae
What it is like
Trillium tschonoskii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Mountains in C. and S. Japan. Shady places in rocky wooded ravines in humus-rich soils.
E. Asia - Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. No more details are given.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root contains steroidal saponins, which have hormonal effects on the body. They are being used in gynaecological and obstetric medicine.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
Prefers a deep well-drained woodland or humus-rich soil in a somewhat shady position that remains moist in the summer. Prefers a neutral to slightly acid soil. Grows well in open woodland. Succeeds in deep shade. Succeeds in a sunny position if the soil does not dry out. This species is closely related to T. kamtschaticum. Any transplanting is best done whilst the plants are in flower. Plants can flower in two years from seed. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits, though slugs are very fond of the leaves.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a shaded cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown in late winter or early spring. Seed usually germinates within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Another report says that seeds produce a root after the first cold stratification but no shoot is produced until after a second winter, whilst yet another report says that the seed can take 3 years to germinate. The seedlings are prone to damp off and must therefore be watered with care and given plenty of fresh air. The young plants need to be overwintered in a cold frame for the first year and can then be planted out in late spring. It is very important that the pots become neither too dry nor too wet. Division with care when the plants die down after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist