PerennialsRodgersia pinnata
Featherleaf Rodgersia
Featherleaf rodgersia is an imposing foliage plant with large, pinnate, bronze-green leaves that emerge with a striking bronze tint in spring. The plume-shaped pink flowers appear in June and July, towering above the foliage. An architectural plant for moist, sheltered spots.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- High
- Height
- 80–120 cm
- Spread
- 60–90 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–7
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil, sheltered from strong wind that can damage the large leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist. Mulch annually with leaf compost. Feeding is rarely needed if the soil is humus-rich.
Pruning tips
Remove spent flower stems after blooming. Cut back dead foliage in late autumn or early spring. The plant requires little other pruning.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
PerennialsAstilbe × arendsii
False Spirea
False Spirea is an elegant shade plant with feathery plumes in pink, red, or white above deeply cut foliage. It blooms from June to August, and the plumes retain their ornamental value even when dried. Astilbe thrives in moist, shady spots where many other plants struggle.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.