How to Grow and Care for Rodgersia

Rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla) is an herbaceous perennial that’s indigenous to Korea and Japan. In the wild, it's usually found in secluded forests and alongside flowing streams. The name honor John Rodgers, a hero of the U.S. Civil War and commander of an expedition during which this species was described.

Native to northern China, fingerleaf rodgersia is prized as an ornamental plant thanks to its striking appearance. Since it's a moisture-loving plant, it's often used in pond gardens. The leaves of fingerleaf rodgersia resemble the horse chestnut's leaves.

The bundle of minute, pink flowers, strongly contrasting with its dark green leaves, make rodger's flower a great ornamental choice. It favors damp habitats, so it is ideally suited to the edges of ponds or streams. The perennial has received the Award of Garden Merit.

Elderberry rodgersia exhibits robust clumps of large, pinnate leaves resembling those of elderberry, which may contribute to its name. In summer, its shade-tolerant nature becomes evident as it unfurls creamy-white, astilbe-like flower clusters that rise above the foliage, offering a captivating display in woodland gardens or damp, shady borders.

Rodger's flower 'Superba' is an exotic clump-forming plant that offers large plumes of flowers in summer that range from cream to deep pink. The foliage emerges as bronze and matures to deep green. This is a cultivar of Rodgersia pinnata and is named for its superb colors. It is popular with gardeners for its low maintenance and hardiness. It also attracts pollinators and is rabbit resistant.