Rodgersia sambucifolia

Rodgersia is a majestic looking perennial for lovers of dramatic shapes and sizes. Elderberry rodgersia leaves are composed of 7 (exceptionally 6), large, broadly obovate, shallowly veined leaflets with heavily serrated margins. They are light green with copper tones in early spring, turning rich grass green in summer. Unlike chestnut-leaved rodgersia where the leaflets grow from the same spot around the very top of the leaf stalk, leaflets of this species are borne with minor distance along the stalks.

In late spring when the weather turns summer-warm or even hot appear 50-90 cm tall stems with plume-like spikes of tiny, fragrant flowers. When the plants come from seeds the flower colour varies from creamy beige to light pink. The colours are stable only when propagated by dividing.

Thanks to its bold foliage as if escaped from rainforest jungle this architectural plant ideally fits in exotic borders. It grows best in shaded and partially shaded locations since filtered sunlight never causes sun scorch which is usual on sunny locations with dry soil. It is a tuberous perennial forming a dense clump, not invading its surroundings. The soil should be humus-rich and loose, never compacted. Keep it constantly moist for best results. Fully hardy to approx. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update: 25-01-2016