Sweet Betsy
Trillium cuneatum
Sweet Betsy is a bulb for bulb layer, suited to shade and partial shade and loam or acid soil, flowering Apr, May, Jun.
| Type | Bulb |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 38 cm |
| Spread | 30 cm |
| Aspect | shade and partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 5a-9b, RHS H6 |
| Pollinator-friendly | No |
| Pet-safe | No |
Where to use it in a border
At around 38 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 30 cm of room to spread, roughly 3 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 5a to 9b and rated H6 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, acid soil.
Border Builder places Sweet Betsy by height, spread, soil and bloom months in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- It tolerates acid soil but dislikes shallow chalk.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
- Not recorded as pet-safe; site it away from pets that graze if that matters to you.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Black Cohoshfor height behind it
- Cascade Oregon Grapeto edge in front
- Chinese Wild Gingerto edge in front
- Dusky cranesbill 'Samobor'to edge in front
- False Lily-of-the-Valleyto edge in front
- Foxglovefor height behind it
Garden styles
Shade cottage Wildlife garden Woodland
Sources
Bloom timing and hardiness drawn from: