Featherleaf rodgersia requires humus-rich soil that remains constantly moist, but it does not like standing water. It resents drying out, which will cause leaves (or leaf edges) to turn brown. To promote even soil moisture, mulch heavily and water thoroughly during dry spells. In northern climates, it will tolerate full sun if grown in damp soil near a stream, pond, or bog; it appreciates winter protection wherever snow cover is unreliable. Featherleaf rodgersia will survive in many parts of Zone 4 if given winter protection.
Featherleaf rodgersia produces lovely plumes of 3- to 4-foot well-branched flower spikes of rose-red with a multitude of tiny flowers that together produce lots of color. These are set off by very beautiful bronze foliage that is similar to a horse chestnut leaf, with its broad leaflets arranged like the fingers of a hand. This plant is a large, shade-loving perennial from the Orient that provides a flourish of color in late spring and early summer. Its highly ornamental foliage provides a distinctive accent to the woodland or formal shady garden for the remainder of the growing season.
ZONES: 5–9
BLOOM TIME: Late spring to early summer
LIGHT: Part shade
HEIGHT: 36–48 inches
INTEREST: Showy rosered flowers and large, attractive bronze leaves
This plant looks best when featured as an accent plant amid one or more low-growing ground covers in a shade border or woodland garden. Even when not in bloom, its big leaves add architectural interest to any planting. It can also be used in combination with other bold-leafed plants such as umbrella plant, large-leafed hostas, bigleaf goldenray, giant butterbur, and tall ferns. This produces a feeling of the tropics in a temperate climate.