On a graceful tuft measuring 70 to 80 cm in all directions, a cute mahogany fruiting body follows the flowering of this perennial. The light foliage, divided into three bronze-green leaflets, clings to thin, purple stems, then, when summer fades, the plant reveals another face. The leaves take on shades of copper, gold and sometimes red, while the stems retain their dark coloring. A fault? Gillenia trifoliata takes a long time to establish itself, but it makes up for it with its longevity, being able to live for several decades in the same place.
And by its foolproof hardiness, because it is native to the wooded edges of the eastern United States (Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri) and eastern Canada (Ontario). This perennial with small flowers perched on tall, flexible stems is lively, robust, light and elegant. Sometimes, it tilts its head in bad weather (storms, hail, heavy rain), but stands up proudly as the weather changes.
The Undergrowth Dancer
So that Gillenia quivers at the slightest breath of wind, cheerfully enlivening semi-shaded corners, plant it, in spring or autumn, in soil rich in humus, fresh without being soggy, non-limestone, adding compost. It supports competition from tree roots, provided it is well watered during the year following planting.
It is suitable for both a refined garden and a wild garden. Do not hesitate to cut a few stems to arrange in a bouquet, to lighten the composition. And this encourages the arrival of new shoots. Lovely on the edge, at the foot of shrubs – viburnums, hydrangeas – combine it with epimediums, ferns – in particular Dryopteris affinis which deploys its fronds like feathers –, brunneras, perennial geraniums. For a more sought-after association, and staggered flowering, combine Gillenia with Kirengeshoma palmata and Disporum longistylum.
