Overview
Rodgersia tabularis is a perennial in the genus Rodgersia, part of the Saxifragaceae family. Rodgersia tabularis grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and near water features. It is native to China.
About
Rodgersia tabularis is a perennial in the Saxifragaceae from China, grown for its summer flowering and preference for shaded, moist sites. It favours partial or full shade and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Plant in a sheltered position; the species carries an H5 rating in the UK, meaning it is hardy in most garden situations. Flowering occurs in June to July.
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 tabularis is a herbaceous perennial of the Saxifragaceae native to China, valued where shade and moisture are available. It produces its flowering display in June to July and is most often placed where light levels are reduced beneath trees or beside other shade-tolerant perennials. Choose a position in partial or full shade with soil kept reliably moist and enriched with humus; a free-draining but moisture-retentive mix suits it best. The plant prefers acidic to neutral soil and benefits from a sheltered spot that reduces exposure to drying winds. In UK terms it is H5—hardy across most regions—so it will endure winter conditions in standard garden sites without specialist protection. Use Rodgersia tabularis at the back of borders, in woodland garden schemes or alongside ponds and streams where the soil remains damp. Give it a sheltered microclimate and consistent moisture through spring and summer to support strong flowering. Flowering is in June to July, making it a dependable mid-summer element in shade planting and waterside margins.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rodgersia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full shade
- Soil type
- moist, humus-rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Rodgersia tabularis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, woodland gardens, near water features
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rodgersia tabularis
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady positions with consistently moist soil; mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Remove dead flower stems after flowering; cut back old foliage in early spring.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rodgersia tabularis?
Prefers sheltered, shady positions with consistently moist soil; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Rodgersia tabularis?
Rodgersia tabularis prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rodgersia tabularis need?
Rodgersia tabularis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, humus-rich and well-drained. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Rodgersia tabularis?
Remove dead flower stems after flowering; cut back old foliage in early spring.
Is Rodgersia tabularis hardy in the UK?
Rodgersia tabularis 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 tabularis?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
