Sweet wakerobin has among the largest flowers in the trillium family, with red petals up to 7 cm long. It grows in rich woods, sometimes on riverbanks but other times on steep slopes.Â
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Trillium vaseyi, the sweet wakerobin or sweet beth, is a spring flowering perennial plant which is found only in the southeastern United States, primarily in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains but with a few populations farther south.
Trillium vaseyi was described by American botanist Thomas Grant Harbison in 1901.
Sweet wakerobin has among the largest flowers in the trillium family, with red petals up to 7cm long. It grows in rich woods, sometimes on riverbanks but other times on steep slopes.
As of April 2023, the global conservation status of Trillium vaseyi is listed as vulnerable and near threatened by NatureServe and IUCN (resp.). It is critically imperiled in Alabama.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sweet wakerobin demands specific conditions mirroring its native woodland habitat. It requires consistently moist, well-draining soil and thrives in dappled shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Special care should be given to mimic leaf litter mulching to provide the organic matter sweet wakerobin needs. Due to its sensitivity to environmental changes and specific care requirements, sweet wakerobin is considered challenging to maintain.
Sunlight
In nature, sweet 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
Sweet 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
Thriving in its native moist woodland environment, sweet wakerobin has adapted to a consistent but moderate moisture regime. This species exhibits a preference for well-hydrated soil, reflecting its habitat’s natural humidity levels. Watering every week will maintain the balance needed for optimal growth and health. Sweet wakerobin is typically cultivated outdoors where it can benefit from natural rainfall patterns, which align with its requirement for a regular watering schedule that mimics the periodic rain of its native climate zones.
Soil
Sweet 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
For healthy growth and bountiful blooms, sweet wakerobin thrives with balanced nutrition fertilizers. Apply a granular, slow-release 10-10-10 formula biannually in spring and fall to support vigorous growth and flowering. Approximately a cup per square meter, sprinkled around the plant’s base without touching the stems, provides optimal nutrition. Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage sweet wakerobin’s roots and reduce its hardiness. Monitor your sweet wakerobin’s response throughout the growing season, and adjust the fertilizing schedule as needed to accommodate its growth and seasonal changes. Always water sweet wakerobin thoroughly after applying fertilizers to help distribute nutrients and avoid root burn.
Planting Instructions
Sweet 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.
Sweet 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
Sweet wakerobin, belonging to the Trillium genus, thrive in woodland settings and are frequently propagated by division, which should be performed carefully to avoid damage to the rhizome. Division involves separating a portion of the rhizome with at least one growth point or eye to foster new growth. Ensure the divided sections are promptly replanted in moisture-retentive, well-draining soil, mimicking their natural habitat for optimal growth.
III. Harvesting and Storage
10-14 weeks after sweet 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.
