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Rodgersia

© Jojo Sigurgeirson

Rodgersias are very large, coarse-looking plants, most famous for their ability to stand up to wet soils and shaded situations. They flower in late-spring, in large flower clusters to 4 feet tall, depending on variety.

They are easy to grow although it can take them some time to get big. They have very stout, creeping rhizomes which in time form large clumps.

In the sun, they take on a bronze tinge. Colours of burgundy, red and orange come out in their autumn show. This is long-lasting, and often the main reason people get interested in growing Rodgersia.

The flowers are certainly not secondary. The late-spring and summer show of slightly fragrant flowers rises nicely above the foliage. There are white Rodgersias and there are Pink Rodgersias.

At all costs, avoid planting Rodgersias where hot, drying winds can damage their leaves. They prefer shade and moist soil.

Rodgersia Species There are benefits to each type of Rodgersia available, although you may find only one or two species available to you locally. This list covers most of those commonly grown in gardens.

Rodgersia aesculifolia
Leaves are shaped like that of the horse chestnut tree, with a leathery texture. Takes on a bronze colour in sun and in fall.

The flowers are white on stems to 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall.

Hardiness Zones 5 to 9b

A Picture of Rodgersia aesculifolia

Rodgersia pinnata
Pictured at left, this Rodgersia has pointy leaves, turning burgundy-red in fall.

The flowers are pink on red stems, to 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall or more.

Hardiness Zones 5b to 9b

The variety 'Superba' has fluffier flowers.

Rodgersia podophylla
This is the hardiest of the Rodgersias and can be seen in it's glory at Tromsø Botanic Gardens in Norway. The leaves are very nice on these plants. They are made up of 5 leaflets and each leaflet has a jaggedy edge to it, much like an oak leaf. Their autumn colour is very striking - red and burgundy.

The white flowers are borne in open clusters reaching 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall.

Hardiness Zones 4 to 9b

Rodgersia sambucifolia
This particular species is not commonly grown but it worth noting for it's leaves which resemble Sambucus, with 6 pairs of sharply-toothed leaflets running down each leaf. The flowers can be white or pink on stems to 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall.

Hardiness Zones 5b to 9b

Rodgersia tabularis
This Rodgersia has leaves much different than the other types. Each leaf is round with wavy edges, without leaflets like the other species. These need even more shade and moisture than the other types and grow well in boggy situations. The flowers are white and fluffy and are borne on short stems to only about 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

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