Gillenia is a graceful herbaceous perennial plant that adds an airy, delicate presence to garden spaces. It is often recognized by its common names, Bowman’s Root or Indian Physic. It offers subtle beauty with its unique flowering habit and attractive foliage, making it a desirable ornamental plant with multiple seasons of interest.
Identifying Gillenia
Gillenia grows as an erect, bushy perennial, reaching a height of 60 to 100 centimeters (24 to 39 inches) and a spread of 45 to 90 centimeters (18 to 36 inches). Its slender, often reddish stems contrast with the foliage. The leaves are dark green, trifoliate, and feature serrated margins.
The plant produces distinctive star-shaped flowers, usually white, though sometimes with a pale pink tint. These dainty flowers, about 3-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) wide, appear in loose clusters from late spring to early summer. A notable feature is the persistent reddish calyces, which remain attractive even after the petals have dropped. In autumn, the trifoliate leaves turn vivid shades of orange and red, extending its visual appeal.
Cultivating Gillenia in Your Garden
Gillenia thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While it tolerates most soil types, amending sandy soil with organic material improves its performance. The plant prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral.
Gillenia performs best in partial shade. In hotter climates, providing afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the delicate flowers from scorching. The plant can tolerate full sun if kept consistently moist, but dappled light yields the best results.
Consistent moisture is important for Gillenia, especially during dry periods and in its first year after planting. Once established, it can tolerate some dry spells. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Gillenia is low-maintenance, being resistant to most pests and diseases. Minimal pruning is required, cutting back dead stems to about 5 cm above soil level in late winter or autumn after the plant dies back.
Propagating Gillenia and Popular Selections
Gillenia can be propagated through division, a method best performed in either spring or autumn. This involves carefully digging up a mature clump and dividing it into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has healthy roots and some foliage. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil and keep them consistently moist to help them establish.
Propagating from seed is another option. Seeds can be collected in late summer or autumn when the seedpods are dry. For spring sowing, the seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification, 8-12 weeks in a refrigerator, to break dormancy. Sow seeds about 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) deep in well-drained seed starting mix, keeping the soil moist, though germination and establishment can take a year or two.
While Gillenia trifoliata is the primary species, cultivars are available. One notable option is ‘Pink Profusion’, which offers pale pink flowers instead of white. This cultivar maintains the graceful habit and attractive foliage of the species.