Porteranthus stipulatus, or more officially, Gillenia stipulata - is another native perennial underused in the ornamental trades. It looks beautiful in masses or matrix garden plantings, providing upright structure and striking stem and leaf color through much of the season, especially in the fall, and makes a dynamic cut-flower for foliage, flowers or seedheads.

This perennial "subshrub" is tough but graceful, upright but spreading with stiff Red stems and sliver-maple-like green leaves that at times show hints of red and bronze, topped by airy sprays of white flowers. It thrives in full or part sun, preferring richer soils. Flowering begins in late spring and early summer.

Plants regrow from the crown each year. Once stems have extended you can begin harvesting for long-lasting foliage. Or stems can be cut as soon as the first flowers open. Or when they have seedheads. All of these options make for a very long harvest window!

We've observed no major pest or disease issues to date. Plants are carefree once established. They do best spaced 18-30" apart. From plugs, they will bloom their first year and grows to harvestable size after their second winter.

This species is one of only two in its genus (the other is Gillenia trifoliata) members of the rose family that diverged from the apple tribe long ago. The two species have overlapping native ranges in open woodlands of Eastern North America, though G. stipulata extends farther west. Otherwise their differences are subtle - G. trifoliata has stipules that fall off and slightly longer leaves and flowers.