Indian Hippo (Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman's Root))
gil-LEN-ee-ah try-foe-lee-AY-tah (Bowman's Root)

Deciduous Perennial
Tall branching red stems with white star-like flowers held in wine-red cups. A delicate, airy display.

Growing 2-3 feet tall and wide, Gillenia trifoliata forms a bushy, upright clump with reddish-tinged, deeply divided leaves. The leaves are composed of three toothed leaflets, giving the plant a distinctive, lacy appearance. In late spring and early summer, the plant produces numerous loose, terminal clusters of small white or pinkish-white flowers atop slender, branching stems.

The flowers have a unique, star-like shape with long, narrow petals and protruding stamens, adding an airy, graceful quality. Flowering can last for several weeks, making Bowman's Root a valuable addition to perennial borders and cottage gardens. After blooming, the plant forms narrow seed capsules.

With its delicate blooms, unique foliage, and compact, upright habit, Gillenia trifoliata is an underutilized native species that deserves more attention from gardeners. It makes an excellent focal point, edging plant, or companion to other woodland-style perennials.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 24 - 36 inches tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Sun - Full Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 4a - 8b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Shade, Medium, Partial Sun, Perennial
Bloom Period May - June
Flower Color White
Foliage Color
Want More photos of this plant? Try Google Image Search!
 


Pricing and Availability History

Click a label to toggle visibility for that size

© North Shore Plant Club 2025. Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions.

Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.


Benefits of Membership

Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:

  • The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
  • More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
  • "No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!

Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.

Already a member?

Login

No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!