About
Rodgersia sambucifolia, the elderberry rodgersia, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with pinnately compound, dark-green leaves resembling elder (Sambucus). Structural, fluffy plumes of creamy-white flowers are held above the leaves in July and August. A striking and ornamental 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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, humus-rich, fertile reliably moist soils in full sun or partial shade with shelter from cold drying winds
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free