Alphabetical Plant Listing

Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman's Root)

Bowman's Root, Indian physic, Porteranthus trifoliata


Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman's Root) is an upright, somewhat bushy perennial featuring reddish stems carrying small, 3-lobed leaves and clusters of starry, dainty white flowers with contrasting red calyces, up to 1-1.5 in wide (3-4cm ), which persist after the petals drop. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this eastern and southern United States native remains attractive in the fall when its foliage turns red.

  • Clump-forming, this rhizomatous perennial reaches 24-36 in. in height (60-90 cm) and spreads 18-36 in. (45-90 cm). Requiring very little maintenance, it is pest and disease free.
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Performs best in part shade, in fertile, slightly acid to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun if shaded in the hottest part of the day.
  • A perfect border plant which looks quite attractive when massed.
  • May need some support if the soil is too rich.
  • Propagation via division or seed. Division may be done in the spring (preferable) or fall. Seed is best sown outside in the fall and will germinate the following spring.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 36" (45cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Photo Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 36" (45cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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