Trillium 2021

[Mariette]

Most white trilliums I raised from a batch of seed appear to be hybrids.

[Herman Mylemans]

Most white trilliums I raised from a batch of seed appear to be hybrids.

Mariëtte, anyway they look marvellous.

[Diane Whitehead]

This clump of Trillium hibbersonii started as a single seedling about 1970.  It is growing in poor soil and never fertilized as fertilizing killed all the trilliums when a new owner bought Hibberson's garden, so those of us in Victoria learned what not to do.

The flowers open a good pink and gradually fade.

[Herman Mylemans]

This clump of Trillium hibbersonii started as a single seedling about 1970.  It is growing in poor soil and never fertilized as fertilizing killed all the trilliums when a new owner bought Hibberson's garden, so those of us in Victoria learned what not to do.

The flowers open a good pink and gradually fade.

Diane, beautiful hibbersonii. I didn’t now that fertilizing is bad for this Trillium. Maybe that is the reason that I have lost them. So if you have seeds that you can spare, I would-be be very interested.

[Mariette]

Thank You, Herman!

Diane, that´s a very important information! Usually I have to fertilize all my trilliums to keep them flowering, despite my heavy soil.

[Carolyn]

This clump of Trillium hibbersonii started as a single seedling about 1970.  It is growing in poor soil and never fertilized as fertilizing killed all the trilliums when a new owner bought Hibberson's garden, so those of us in Victoria learned what not to do.

The flowers open a good pink and gradually fade.

Diane,
Interesting about the fertiliser. I don’t feed trilliums in the garden usually, but I do feed the seedlings in pots in the cold frames - I use very dilute tomato fertiliser. I wonder if that is why I lose some seedlings? I have always thought losses were due to the compost deteriorating after a few years - the seedlings can be in the same compost for 4- 5 years, depending on how many years the seeds take to germinate, then the seedlings remain in the same pot for another 2 years or so. When I empty out the pots the soil can be very sticky, and be covered in liverwort.
Do you know if the fertiliser which killed the T. hibbersonii was artificial or organic?

[Diane Whitehead]

No, I don't know what kind of fertilizer was used.

The man who gave me the seedling had flats of seedlings growing in what I think was a fine gravel - not as small as sand.

[Carolyn]

Thanks, Diane, it sounds as if the seedlings were growing in something like chick grit - half way between sand and gravel and a very useful product for seedlings.

[Leena]

Mariette, beautiful white Trilliums whatever the name.

Diane, also I appreciate the information about fertilizing. It is good to know that it is hardy enough to grow in Canada, so maybe I can plant some of mine outside. Right now they are still in two pots and they are two year old seedlings.

[Diane Whitehead]

Ah, Leena, not all of Canada is cold in winter.

Those of us who live on the Pacific ocean usually have mild winters.  We did get snow one day this year and two of my trees were so surprised that they fell down.

[Leena]

Ah, Leena, not all of Canada is cold in winter.
Those of us who live on the Pacific ocean usually have mild winters.  We did get snow one day this year and two of my trees were so surprised that they fell down.

Of course, Diane. Silly of me, it says so also under your signature:). Only one day of snow, I am so envious.
I wonder if anyone in more colder parts of Canada grow T.hibbersonii outside?

[Diane Whitehead]

I saw hibbersonii growing in Prague.

[Leena]

I saw hibbersonii growing in Prague.

I think Prague is warmer region than what it is here, or winters are longer here. I will wait a few more years and then plant part of the pot outside and see what happens:).
To very gritty compost if I understood from what you wrote earlier.

[Diane Whitehead]

Yes, gritty poor soil is probably best.

It is native to cliffs along the ocean at about 600 m  (2000 ft.)

[Leena]

Thanks Diane.