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Gillenia trifoliata
Bowman's Root
Plant Type:
SUN PERENNIALSGillenia trifoliata (syn. Porteranthus trifoliataus) – Bowman’s Root is a most handsome early summer bloomer covered in masses of 1” white flowers touched pink at the base reminiscent of Gaura. Unlike Guara, fortunately for us, Bowman’s Root is perfectly hardy and can withstand our wetter climate in the eastern U. S. Unlike Gaura, unfortunately, it flowers but once, the bloom period lasting approximately 3 weeks. However, it is very handsome even out of bloom; the finely-cut foliage is serrated, bronzed when it first emerges with a play of red in the petioles and the wiry pedicels contrasting with the green leaves of summer. Bowman’s Root will make a beautiful backdrop plant for shorter perennials just gorgeous fore-planted with blue fescues; it is delicate in appearance contrasted with bolder foliaged plants and even looks good planted with shrubs. In but a few years the girth of this plant increases such that it dons an almost shrub-like affect in the landscape. Plant in any well-drained soil sited in full to mostly sunny conditions. This is a frequently asked about plant in the gardens at Quackin' Grass. It's a strict clumper. If ordered during our fall shipping season Bowman's Root will arrive cut back. Established potted perennial from division.
Characteristics and Attributes for Gillenia trifoliata
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Late Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Spring / Summer / into Autumn
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
Light
- Full Sun
- Mostly Sunny
Attributes
- Border
- Drought Tolerant
- Accent
- Natural Garden
- Specimen
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Medium
Soil
- Average
- Draining
- Fertile
Origins
- Eastern North America
Propagated By
- Division