Plant families - Saxifragaceae

How to grow rodgersia

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 26 February 2019 at 9:37 am

Find out all you need to know about growing rodgersia, in our practical Grow Guide.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesDivideyes**yes

Save

Rodgersia is a medium-sized perennial, with fantastic, luscious broad leaves. These are palm shaped and slightly leathery, and are often bronze-green when young, darkening to green as they mature. Rodgersia also produces pretty sprays of white or pink flowers in late summer.

A moisture-loving plant, rodgersia can be grown as a marginal pond plant or in boggy areas, near water. It looks good planted alongside ferns.

Follow our rodgersia Grow Guide, below.

Where to plant rodgersia

For the best coloured leaves, grow rodgersia in a sheltered, but sunny spot in moist soil, such as in the margins of a pond or stream.

How to plant rodgersia

When planting rodgersia in boggy, moist soil, add a spadeful of garden compost into the hole. If you have a pond, watch Monty Don for tips on planting marginal plants.

Propagating rodgersia

Rodgersia can be propagated by dividing plants in spring.

Video: How to lift and divide herbaceous perennials

Rodgersia: problem solving

Rodgersia does not suffer from any known diseases although, being a foliage plant, the young leaves may be eaten by slugs and snails.

Care and maintenance

Rodgersias are easy to care for if grown in the right conditions. They will spread slowly, so every few years plants will need reinvigorating. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.

Rodgersia varieties to try

Rodgersia podophylla

Rodgersia podophylla

Rodgersia pinnata ‘Chocolate Wing’ has chocolate-tinged, bronze-green foliage, which contrasts with small pink flowers
Rodgersia pinnata ‘Buckland Beauty’ has dramatic, reddish-brown foliage and clusters of bright pink, star-shaped flowers on dark-red stems from mid- to late summer
Rodgersia podophylla has the signature large palmate leaves but with ragged edges. The leaves emerge bronze in spring but mature to a deep, dark green. From midsummer it bears upright clusters of cream-green, star-shaped flowers
Rodgersia pinnata has bronze-tinged dark green foliage, which contrast with small pink flowers. Grow in a sheltered, partially shaded site in moist soil, such as in the margins of a pond or stream
Rodgersia aesculifolia is a striking Chinese species with long, bronze-tinted leaves with brown veins, and star-shaped, white or pink flowers in midsummer. These are followed by reddish seedheads in autumn. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has give it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.