Louisiana wakerobin is a perennial herb notable for its three large, green leaves that form a whorl at the top of a single, unbranched stem. In the center, a single, showy white flower emerges, which becomes pink-tinged over time. Thriving in the understory of moist deciduous forests, Louisiana wakerobin favors the dappled shade that protects its delicate bloom while maintaining the moist soil it prefers.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Trillium ludovicianum, the Louisiana wakerobin or Louisiana trillium, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is found only in the south-central United States, in Louisiana, Mississippi, and eastern Texas.
Trillium ludovicianum was described by American botanist Thomas Grant Harbison in 1901.
Trillium ludovicianum is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Flowers are dark red, purple, or dark green, sometimes with irregular markings. The plant grows in moist woods and floodplains.
II. How to Grow and Care
Louisiana wakerobin is a perennial herb notable for its three large, green leaves that form a whorl at the top of a single, unbranched stem. In the center, a single, showy white flower emerges, which becomes pink-tinged over time. Thriving in the understory of moist deciduous forests, Louisiana wakerobin favors the dappled shade that protects its delicate bloom while maintaining the moist soil it prefers.
Sunlight
In nature, Louisiana wakerobin grows on forest floors, in valleys, or in rock cracks in middle- and high-altitude areas. It is a shade-loving plant. When grown in a garden, it needs a shaded environment, such as under trees or on the shady side of buildings to avoid harsh, direct sunlight. Blazing light exposure can cause it to wither.
Temperature
Louisiana wakerobin originates from North America and East Asia and like cool, moist habitats. It grows well in an environment with a temperature range of 8 to 12 ℃ and doesn’t tolerate high temperatures. It likes moisture and is not drought-resistant, and it prefers air humidity at 75% – 90%.
Watering
Newly-planted Louisiana wakerobin needs to be watered frequently to keep the soil from becoming dry. This is necessary until the plant adapts to the new environment and begins growing normally. Once adapted, Louisiana wakerobin doesn’t need to be watered very often. Just keep the soil moist and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Louisiana wakerobin likes loose, fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. The ideal pH value range is 5.0-6.5, and shouldn’t exceed 7.3. If the soil is barren or has poor air permeability, you can improve it by mixing in a small amount of organic fertilizer.
Fertilizing
Louisiana wakerobin doesn’t require much fertilizing. Simply apply some organic fertilizers at planting and a small amount of manure compost after the frost season each spring. You can also apply a little low-nitrogen fertilizer (with a 5-10-10 NPK ratio) to facilitate blooming. Do not splash fertilizers onto the flowers or leaves.
Planting Instructions
Louisiana wakerobin is not tolerant of transplanting, so the growing site needs to be chosen carefully. The planting site should be cool and shady, without nearby shallowly-rooted trees to compete with it for water. In the wild, the plant grows in humus-rich soils, so the planting soil also needs to be mixed with some humus.
Louisiana wakerobin is best planted in the fall. Dig a 15 cm-deep planting pit, arrange and extend the plant’s roots neatly before putting it into the pit, cover the roots with soil, and press down lightly. It’s a good idea to cover the soil surface with organic matters like hay or shredded bark to retain moisture.
Propagation
Louisiana wakerobin can propagate by sowing, but it takes 5-7 years after sowing for the plant to bloom. It can also propagate by plant division, which is usually performed after the flowering season. Carefully dig up its roots and divide the rhizome with a sharp knife, retaining at least 2 buds on each part. Bury these rhizomes back in the soil about 6 cm deep, and plant them 25 cm apart from one another. Plant division can quickly produce bloom-ready plants, but can also potentially cause the plants to die. Therefore, caution is advised in carrying out this method.
III. Harvesting and Storage
10-14 weeks after Louisiana wakerobin blooms, when the fruits turn brown, it’s time to harvest the seeds for sowing. Pick the fruits off the plant, squeeze lightly to crack them open, and find the ripe brown seeds inside. The seeds can be sown right away or placed in moist peat soil for refrigerated storage.
