Gillenia trifoliata

Gillenia is a unique plant from a genus of only 2 species of which just one is horticulturally cultivated – three-leaved Bowman’s root. It is a sought-after tall perennial from Central Europe and S.E. Canada where it naturally grows in light woodlands and at their margins. Thanks to its size and less sun requirements it is ideal for the back of a perennial bed with limited sunlight.

Three-leaved Bowman’s root is valued for its fluffy look – in full bloom it looks like a white cloud. Individual flowers are star-shaped, pure white, and open from red calyxes from late May until early/mid July. They lack fragrance. Deciduous leaves are divided into three ovate to broadly elliptic, coarsely toothed, deeply veined leaflets of soft green colour. Stems grow some 80-100 tall and are red flushed, especially at the top where flowers are composed.

Bowman’s root needs equally moist, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil that does not dry out or is constantly waterlogged. It naturally lives in partial shade or in filtered sunlight. It can take full sun, too, if irrigated regularly and protected from the hottest midday sun. It is an ideal understory of tall trees or a perfect background of a mixed border. Hardy to approx. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 23-06-2020