Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Rodgersia podophylla
Rodger's Flower
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 36 to 48 inches
- Width
- 36 to 60 inches
- Flower color
- Creamy white to soft pink plumes held above the foliage
- Foliage color
- Large bold palmate leaves emerging bronze in spring and maturing to rich green
- Bloom time
- Early to mid summer
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Consistent moisture in rich humus soil that remains evenly moist
- Maintenance
- Low; divide clumps in early spring and provide mulch to retain soil moisture
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Rodgersia podophylla forms bold, palmate leaves divided into broad, toothed leaflets that emerge bronze tinted in spring before maturing to deep green. The large foliage creates a substantial presence in shaded plantings. In early to midsummer, tall plumes of creamy white flowers rise above the leaves, composed of many small blooms that open in airy panicles and age to soft pink tones.
Native to woodland regions of Japan and Korea, the species grows along forest margins and moist mountain slopes. In gardens, it lends structure to shaded borders, woodland settings, and water side plantings where its dramatic foliage and upright flower panicles provide seasonal interest.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
