Overview
Gillenia trifoliata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Gillenia, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Gillenia trifoliata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to NE USA & Canada.
About
Gillenia trifoliata is a perennial that typically reaches a height of around 1 meter. It features upright, bushy growth with red stems and small, three-lobed leaves that are bronze-green, transitioning to a warm orange hue in the fall. From late spring through late summer, it produces open clusters of star-shaped white flowers, measuring 3 to 4 centimeters across.
About the genus
Gillenia consists of rhizomatous perennials characterized by their palmately divided foliage and loose clusters of star-like flowers, which can be white or pale pink in color.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gillenia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Gillenia trifoliata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- NE USA & Canada
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gillenia trifoliata
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, slightly acid to neutral, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Can tolerate full sun if shaded in the hottest part of the day. May need staking
- Pruning
- No pruning required,
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gillenia trifoliata?
Grow in fertile, slightly acid to neutral, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Can tolerate full sun if shaded in the hottest part of the day. May need staking.
Where is the best place to plant Gillenia trifoliata?
Gillenia trifoliata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gillenia trifoliata need?
Gillenia trifoliata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Gillenia trifoliata?
No pruning required,.
How big does Gillenia trifoliata grow?
Gillenia trifoliata reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Gillenia trifoliata hardy in the UK?
Gillenia trifoliata has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Gillenia trifoliata?
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn.