Gillenia trifoliata

RHS Plant Profile
Bowman's root

Other common names

false ipecac, Indian hippo, Indian physic, western dropwort

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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