Gillenia is a robust and easy-to-grow perennial which is fully hardy. Perfect for bringing interest to a shadier position, it favours dappled or light shade and a moist but well drained soil. In warmer climates, the delicate buds will need to be protected from midday sunshine as they can scorch easily. It requires a moist but free draining soil, and can grow on either clay or loam - if soil is sandy, it can be improved with the addition of organic matter. The open, airy stems produce blooms over a long season from spring through to summer.

How to plant

• Plant Gillenia bare roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Pot into temporary 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost.
  
• Plant with the roots submerged and with the top of the root system with buds just level with the soil surface. Any shoots or leaves which have emerged already should be left exposed above the soil surface.
  
• Grow them on in a sheltered area outside. They can be transplanted into suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held together by the roots.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a position in a partially shaded border with moist but well-drained soil. Ensure the area is dug over and cleared of weeds first.
  
• Keep space clear around the young plant and ensure neighbouring plants or weeds are not overcrowding it.
  
• Gillenia is hardy to around -20C and does not require winter protection in most areas.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year.

Aftercare

• New growth emerges within around a month of planting. Gillenia flowers in late spring/summer every year, but it may not flower in the first year.
  
• Remove faded flowers stems when needed to encourage further flowering.
  
• Gillenia dies back in autumn. Once it starts to die back, you can cut all leaves and stems back to around 5cm above soil level. New stems and foliage emerge from the root system the following spring.
  
• Gillenia forms a clump over time. As the root system grows, the plant will also grow larger each year. When needed, you can divide clumps in autumn.