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Herbaceous Perennial

Gillenia trifoliata

Bowman's root

A bushy, upright perennial about 1m in height, with red stems and small, 3-lobed bronze-green leaves which turn to warm orange in the autumn. Open sprays of starry white flowers 3-4cm in width, appear from late spring to late summer

Other common names
false ipecac
Indian hippo
see moreIndian physic
western dropwort

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red White Bronze Green
Summer Red White Bronze Green
Autumn Red Bronze Green Orange
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Gillenia are rhizomatous perennials with palmately divided leaves and lax panicles of star-shaped white or pale pink flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
NE USA & Canada

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, slightly acid to neutral, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Can tolerate full sun if shaded in the hottest part of the day. May need staking

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required,

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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