Bowman's root Interesting Notes

Porteranthus trifoliatus ‘Pink Profusion’ is a joy in our garden that we've been enjoying for many years since it was given to us by the Mt. Cuba Center in 2001. 'Pink Profusion' has clear pink flowers that are held daintily above reddish leaves on deep red stems. Growing 3’ tall, the dainty 5-petaled delicate star-shaped flowers shimmer in a light breeze, as though they will take flight at any moment. In addition to its beautiful late spring and early summer floral display, in the fall, the leaves turn a bright maroon as the perennial fades.

Porteranthus trifoliatus, or Bowman’s root, grows in full sun to light shade in moist to average soil conditions. Found from southern Ontario to Delaware to Georgia to Kentucky, Arkansas, and Lousiana, Bowman’s root prefers mountainous habitats and can be found in dry to moist upland woods and rocky banks. It can tolerate drought conditions once established. Over time, the plant spreads into tight clumps and seldom needs dividing. In hotter climates, Bowman’s root is found in shadier conditions, usually in woodlands dominated by oak species.

Porteranthus trifoliatus does well in masses in the garden, especially along the edge of a woodland garden where the light transitions from shade to full sun. It is pest and disease-resistant with an especially unpalatable flavor to mammalian herbivores where the plant is a purgative. Many pollinators, from butterflies to skippers to bees, use the flowers as a nectar source in the spring and early summer. Somewhat slow to establish, but like Amsonia or Baptisia, Porteranthus is worth the wait!

Porteranthus trifoliatus 'Pink Profusion' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Thrives in moist, acidic to neutral, humus-rich soil, but is quite drought tolerant once established. It prefers shade in the hottest part of the day. Use as backround plant in perennial beds or in mass plantings to give a full, airy effect. Somewhat slow to establish, but like Amsonia or Baptisia, Porteranthus is worth the wait!

Good Substitutions

Porteranthus trifoliatus