Gillenia Trifoliata

Description

This rare and lovely flower really is one of the most delightful border perennial, yet it is not often seen in gardens. Not only is it handsome, flowering from June to August, it is very hardy, easy to grow, and long-lived. Red shoots emerge from a central crown in April and evolve into a bushy, upright clump, the stems remaining red, carrying ovate, neatly creased, mid-green leaves that are serrated along the edges, rather like Meadowsweet. They gently branch towards the top, and a long succession of pretty, pure white flowers with five fluttering petals, with a butterfly quality is produced, creating a harmonious mist. In autumn the leaves gradually become a golden orange, until the plant eventually dies back in October forming attractive seed heads. A semi-shaded well drained spot will see flowers for most of the Summer. RHS AGM Winner

Sowing Advice

Sow immediately at any time onto preferably a soil-based compost, covering with fine grit to approximately their own depth. Germination MAY be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. but many seeds WILL NOT come up the year they are sown, needing winter chilling after sowing, and ONLY come up with natural spring germination.

Key Facts