Scientific name: Gillenia trifoliata
Synonym: Porteranthus trifoliatus
Family: ROSACEAE
Common names: “Bowman’s root” “false ipecac” “Indian hippo” “Indian physic” “western dropwort”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 4-9
Light: Full sun – light shade, grows lower and trailing when in shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, less clay, acidic
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 24-36″ W 12-24″
Leaf and Stem shape: Rhizomatous perennial with reddish stems bearing small, 3-lobed leaves
Flower: Open sprays of starry white flowers, with contrasting red calyces
Maintenance: Low / zero, cut back close to ground at end of year, no deadheading, may require staking in its first years if not in full sun
Landscape use: Flower borders, cut flowers, cottage garden, informal
Propagate: By seed and division
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
Comments: Attracts butterflies, “there is nothing to not like about this plant”
~AGM winner
