bowman's root
Gillenia trifoliata
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall1.5 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bowman's root (Gillenia trifoliata) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, woodland gardens, and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and has a loose, informal shape. White flowers with narrow petals open in loose clusters and attract butterflies and bees. Red calyxes stay on the plant after the petals fall.
Pairs well with Foam flower, Little bluestem, and New Jersey tea.
Native range
North America.