Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Gillenia trifoliata
Bowman's root
Prepare for a long season of colour and floral profusion with the award-winning perennial that is Gillenia trifoliata. Not only is it generous in terms of colour which also changes over the season, but it’s hardy, perennial, resilient, tolerant to most soil types and low maintenance. No wonder it has received and RHS Award of Garden Merit. With a naturally bushy habit, the bronze-tinged tri-lobed leaves emerge in spring and remain through summer. In autumn, they change colour, displaying gold and warming orange tones before they drop for winter. A profusion of star-like white flowers emerge in late spring, and they glimmer-on for most of summer. These blooms are held above the foliage by delicate reddish stems, which adds yet another colour to Gillenia trifoliata's fantastic perennial’s palette.
Sometimes known as Bowman's root, Gillenia trifoliata is one of those plants which, once established, will reward you with months of interest without you having to spare it much thought, time or care. A swift chop back in autumn is all that will be required each year, then it will return again, fresh and fabulous, the following spring. It copes well with most soils including clay or poor, sandy soils, but we recommend starting the bare root in a temporary pot with compost just to give it a good start first. Grow it on for a few months until it has developed a strong root system before transplanting it out into these more challenging soil types. Choose a position in partial shade for Gillenia trifoliata and enjoy the show!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Gillenia trifoliata
- Flower colour
- White
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 6 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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Expert care from
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
