About
Rodgersia pinnata, the featherleaf rodgersia, is a large deciduous perennial forming a spreading clump of large, pinnately divided leaves with erect, conical sprays of cream or pink flowers in summer. A bold and rewarding plant for a moist, sheltered border or pondside.
About the genus
Rodgersia are moisture-loving, rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with handsome, often attractively tinted, pinnately or palmately divided leaves and small, star-shaped flowers in large, conical panicles in summer, remaining showy in fruit. Excellent plants for moist, sheltered borders and pondside positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toW China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold, drying winds. They will tolerate drier conditions with more shade
PruningCut back as leaves yellow in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring at 10°C (50°F). Divide in spring
Pest resistanceSlugs may damage young leaves
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free