General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils. Somewhat difficult to establish.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Indian physic or Bowman's root is an upright, clump-forming, somewhat bushy perennial which typically grows 2-3' (less frequently to 4') tall. A native plant to the eastern and southern United States (including Lawrence County, Missouri). Features masses of slender, 5 petaled, star-like, white flowers (1" across) held in loose corymbs on wiry, branching, distinctively red stems in late spring to early summer. Attractive red calyces persist after petal drop. Trifoliate, almost stalkless leaves feature oblong, serrated, olive-green leaflets (1.5-4") which turn red in fall. Sold both as Gillenia trifoliata and Porteranthus trifoliatus.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Probably needs support.
Uses:
Interesting plant for the border or native plant garden. Mass to take advantage of the airy effect of the bloom. Attractive red foliage in autumn.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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