Rodgersia

These hardy, herbaceous perennials are natives to Japan, Korea and China. They are grown for their attractive foliage and stately flower spikes. R. aesculifolia (Fingerleaf Rodgersflower) forms masses of glossy, bronze green leaves that are divided into 7 toothed, crinkled, veined leaflets. Its tiny, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers are borne in branching, flat-topped clusters atop thin, strong, rusty-hairy stems. This plant grows up to 3 feet high and wide. R. podophylla (Bronzeleaf or Rodgersflower) forms clumps of large leaves, which are divided into 5 shallowly lobed leaflets. They are bronze at first, maturing to a medium green that turns copper in the fall. In the summer, branching clusters of tiny, creamy white flowers are produced. This variety grows up to 4 feet high with a spread of 3 feet.

Pot Cultivation

Grow Rodgersflowers in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that has good drainage, in a sunny or partially shaded location. It is beneficial to dig peat moss or rich compost into the soil. These plants are good for growing on the waterside.

Propagation

They may be divided in the spring or seeds may be sown in the fall.

R. aesculifolia

VARIETIES

• R. aesculifolia;
• R. sambucifolia;
• R. podophylla;
• R. pinnata