Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
North American native plants are some of the easiest plants to use in the home garden. Typically little maintenance or feeding needs to be done for natives as long as they are planted in their preferred situation. Bowman’s Root is one such native plant. Once it is planted, little needs to be done. Native bees and other pollinators will magically appear when Bowman’s Root in bloom. The added bonus of red fall foliage make this a must have plant for any naturalized garden spot.
Bowman’s Root has a very open and free flowing shape. The blooms are light and airy, dancing on red stems through the summer. As the blooms fade the red stems stay around to support the dark brown seedheads. Deer and pest resistant. Pair Bowman’s Root with other woodland natives such as Penstemons, Blue Eyed Grass and Campion.
Bowman’s Root Care
Bowman’s Root prefers moist, humus rich soil that is well drained. Mulching on a regular basis with organic compost or leaves will help to boost soil moisture retention and fertility. A full sun to part shade place in the garden will encourage the most blooming. Supplemental irrigation must be provided in the first few years. Establishment can be a little difficult if Bowman’s Root is not properly watered early on.
Herbaceous perennials completely die back to the ground each fall, and shoot into full growth the following spring and summer. The best time to clear away the old foliage is early in the spring as the new growth starts. The old foliage will provide an extra layer of mulch and insulation for plants grown in the coldest of the hardiness zones. Fertilizing is not recommended.
Bowman’s Root Spacing
The mature height and width of Bowman’s Root is 2-3 feet. Spacing plants at 3 feet on center is recommended. Dividing every 3-4 years may be necessary to keep plants growing vigorously.
Native Bowman's Root Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Partial Sun (5-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Clumping, Spreading
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White, Pink
- Flower Description
- White faint-pink
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green, Red
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous, Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Interest, Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Native Bowman's Root
- Botanical Name
- PORTERANTHUS TRIFOLIATUS
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!