What hardiness zones is Rodgersia suitable for?

Rodgersia is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

How much water does Rodgersia need?

Rodgersia has High water needs.

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Perennials

Rodgersia

rodgersia

SaxifragaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageDeciduous

Height36–60 inches (90–150 cm)

Width36–60 inches (90–150 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Rodgersia is a genus of approximately six species of bold, rhizomatous herbaceous perennials in the family Saxifragaceae, native to moist woodland margins, stream banks, and boggy meadows across China, Japan, Korea, and adjacent regions of eastern Asia. Rodgersias are among the most impressive large-leaved shade perennials available for Pacific Northwest gardens, combining spectacular compound foliage with plume-like astilbe-type flower panicles in summer. The large, compound leaves are either palmately arranged (as in R. podophylla, with five to seven toothed leaflets resembling a duck's foot) or pinnately arranged (as in R. pinnata and R. sambucifolia), and frequently develop handsome bronze or copper tints — particularly on emerging spring foliage and in autumn. In early to midsummer, stout erect stems 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall carry large, feathery panicles of tiny apetalous flowers in white, cream, or pink. Key species in Pacific Northwest cultivation include R. podophylla (duckfoot rodgersia), R. pinnata (featherleaf rodgersia), R. aesculifolia (fingerleaf rodgersia), and R. sambucifolia (elderberry-leaved rodgersia). Named in honor of Rear Admiral John Rodgers (1812–1882), who commanded the 1852–1856 North Pacific Exploring Expedition.

Native Range

Native to moist woodland margins, stream banks, valley floors, and boggy meadows across China (widespread in Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, and adjacent provinces), Japan, Korea, and Myanmar at low to mid elevations. Grows in humus-rich, consistently moist to wet, fertile soils in partial to full shade. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Rodgersias are indispensable large-scale shade perennials for the Pacific Northwest woodland and moisture garden, providing the most impressive combination of bold compound foliage and tall summer flower panicles of any hardy shade perennial in this climate. Outstanding at the margins of ponds, streams, or bog gardens, where consistent moisture is naturally available. In the large shaded border, effective in sweeps or as specimens combined with Hosta, Astilbe, Ligularia, Darmera, Persicaria amplexicaulis, and large ornamental grasses. The bronzy young foliage of R. podophylla is outstanding in spring; the deep pink flower panicles of R. pinnata 'Superba' are among the most striking of summer shade perennials. Allow 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) of space in all directions for mature clumps.

How to Identify

Rodgersias are identified by their large compound leaves in one of two arrangements: palmate (five to seven toothed leaflets radiating from the petiole tip, as in R. podophylla and R. aesculifolia) or pinnate (leaflets arranged along a central rachis, as in R. pinnata and R. sambucifolia). Individual leaflets are 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, heavily textured with impressed veins, and often show bronze or copper tints especially when young. In summer, stout upright stems 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall carry large, feathery panicles of tiny apetalous flowers in white, cream, or pink, resembling oversized Astilbe plumes. The combination of large compound leaves, heavily textured leaflets, and tall summer flower panicles is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

brown

Fall Foliage Colors

brown

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Summer

Rodgersias bloom in early to midsummer, typically June through July in Pacific Northwest gardens, though timing varies by species — R. podophylla is among the earliest, R. pinnata often extends into July. Stout erect stems 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall carry large, branched panicles of tiny flowers over three to five weeks. The feathery flower panicles in white, cream, pink, or deep rose (in R. pinnata 'Superba') are an outstanding ornamental feature. Bronzy to russet seed heads persist attractively after flowering through late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, cream, or pink (deep rose in some cultivars); tiny, apetalous, in large feathery branched panicles on stout erect stems

Foliage Description

Large compound leaves; palmate (5–7 toothed leaflets) or pinnate depending on species; heavily textured, impressed-veined; bronze to copper tints on young and autumn foliage

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaypeat

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade in consistently moist to wet, humus-rich, fertile soil. Rodgersias thrive in the cool, moist conditions of Pacific Northwest gardens and are among the best large-scale shade perennials for the region. Incorporate generous organic matter at planting. Consistent moisture throughout the growing season is essential — the large leaves scorch and flag rapidly in dry conditions or hot afternoon sun. A position with morning sun and afternoon shade, or in dappled woodland shade, suits most species well. Mulch annually to conserve moisture. Do not allow to dry out in summer. Divide every four to five years in early spring to maintain vigor and control spread.

Pruning

Leave the attractive dried flower panicles and seed heads standing through autumn for additional ornamental interest and wildlife value. Cut all stems and foliage back to ground level in late autumn or early spring before new growth emerges. Divide every four to five years in early spring to rejuvenate clumps. No other pruning is required.

Pruning Schedule

fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic