Overview
Rodgersia podophylla is a perennial in the genus Rodgersia, part of the Saxifragaceae family. It typically grows around 1.3 m tall. Rodgersia podophylla grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and near water features. It is native to Japan and Korea.
About the genus
Rodgersia is a genus of flowering plants in the Saxifragaceae family. Rodgersia are herbaceous perennials originating from east Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rodgersia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rodgersia
In the garden
Rodgersia podophylla originates from Japan and Korea and is valued for its architectural foliage and summer flower panicles. Plants form substantial clumps that reach roughly 1.3 m and carry large palmate leaves, with flowering concentrated in June and July when creamy-white blooms appear above the foliage. For cultivation, give Rodgersia podophylla a moist site in soil that holds moisture—sandy, loamy or clay soils all suit it provided they are not bone dry. The species prefers full sun and tolerates typical UK winters as an H5-rated hardy perennial; place it where roots will remain consistently damp or at least seasonally wet. Mulching at planting will help retain soil moisture through drier spells. Use it where leaf scale matters: repeat it along a damp border, tuck it into a woodland-edge scheme or plant beside streams and ponds where the soil stays damp. Allow clumps to remain undisturbed to show their seasonal leaf development and to carry the creamy-white panicles each June and July.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rodgersia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Rodgersia podophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 1.3 m
- Suggested uses
- borders, woodland gardens, near water features
- Native to
- Japan, Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rodgersia podophylla
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong winds
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back flower stems after blooming
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rodgersia podophylla?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Rodgersia podophylla?
Rodgersia podophylla prefers full sun.
What soil does Rodgersia podophylla need?
Rodgersia podophylla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Rodgersia podophylla?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back flower stems after blooming.
How big does Rodgersia podophylla grow?
Rodgersia podophylla reaches a height of 1.3 m.
Is Rodgersia podophylla hardy in the UK?
Rodgersia podophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Rodgersia podophylla?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Rodgersia genus
- Rodgersia pinnatafeatherleaf rodgersia
- Rodgersia pinnata 'Alba'rodgersia 'Alba'
- Rodgersia sambucifoliaelderberry rodgersia
- Rodgersia tabularisTabular Rodgersia
