Gillenia trifoliata

Gillenia trifoliata, aka ‘Bowman’s Root’, ‘Indian Physic’

Gillenia is one of those unassuming perennials that catches one’s eye as ‘something different’ in the mixed border. While not a shrub, it assumes a shrub-like stature by late spring, bursting into a thousand 5 pointed stars supported by red peduncles (stalks) by early June. Native to eastern US, Bowman’s Root performs well in New England states where it has been introduced.

Designing with gillenia:

Bowman’s root works beautifully as an understory plant. In my garden, it performs best in a part sun/dappled shade environment. Young specimens quickly acquire girth if planted in soil amended with organic matter. They mature into soft, billowy multi-stemmed clumps that seem to dance with the slightest breeze. Give them plenty of room, but allow them to mingle with companion plantings like ferns and tall phlox.

I like to site gillenia at the corner of a house or patio where it can soften hard edges and define a space as it transitions to a different micro-climate. Eventually the white petals will fall, leaving behind pretty red calyxes. Gillenia remains attractive through winter months and snowfall.

back to top