Description
Rodgersia podophylla
A fantastic foliage plant for a moist position in plenty of space. Each leaf is palmate, up to 30cm plus across, with 5 leaflets that end in a squared off apex with three pointed drip tips. In Spring the leaves emerge beautifully bronzed, a colour that fades to a fresh apple green as the season progresses. Given time it will spread to a substantial clump. Flowers creamy white in an impressive fluffy looking column. The only species native to Japan and Korea and also the first to be introduced into cultivation by an expedition lead by Admiral John Rodgers.
Rodgersias are that most prized of plants, excellent foliage plants that provide an excellent performance from their flowers as well. They are most often seen in British gardens as a plant to grow by water, where they do look splendid. However they can also be grown in any site that is not too hot and dry. The largest lushest growth will be obtained on the wetter grown specimens.
The leaves of Rodgersias are deeply cut into lobes with a surface that is deeply rough and textured. Many types are tinted bronze when they emerge and can colour richly in the Autumn before being shed. The flowers are held on stiffly branched spikes, often well above the foliage and possessing a form that reminds me of a Japanese Pagoda. The flowers begin a little like a Bergenia’s but a mass of stamens renders them quite fluffy and plume-like. Once flowering is over. the flowering stems possess a beauty of their own that renders them worthy of being left on the plant for some time. This is particularly true in Rodgersia pinnata ‘Elegans’ where the stems and seed capsules are a rich reddy brown.
Rodgersia were named in honour of Admiral John Rodgers who captained the expedition to Japan in which Rodgersia podophylla was first collected.
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