Bold, shade-loving Rodgersias

Shade-loving Rodgersias

Their beef can rival any tropical, but these dependable perennials are actually quite hardy.

Some plants need time to grow on you, while others catch on from the start — the draw may be flower color, leaf texture, or innate. As for Rodgersia, I was hooked on their large, wrinkled leaves. Given the lack of thick-leaved perennials for northern gardens—cannera (Cannera manicata, zones 7–10) is too tender, butterbur (Petasites japonicus, zones 5–9) too weedy, and ligularias (Ligularia spp., zones 4–9) too Nifty—Rodgersias are well-behaved, cold-hardy alternatives that fill niches beautifully. Our test arose out of the misconception that Rodgersias are somewhat hardy in Chicago—a "truth" I've heard for years—and that Rodgersias are plants known only to expert gardeners. Happily, testing dispelled these myths, proving that Rodgersias are so reliable that everyone should have at least one—if you can stop one.

Although it wasn't our biggest test by a long shot, we've been able to test a few Rodgersia species over the years. Here are some that stood out from the pack.

1. Kupfermond

One of the best performers every year and notable for its reliably bushy habit - it's very tall in both leaf and flower. Rodgersia has basal leaves, meaning long petioles that arise directly from the rhizomes, and their length is basically the height of the plant without flowers. The wrinkles and furrows of this variety's large leaves only emphasize its bold texture. 'Kubermont' had deep red-bronze spring leaves and was more chameleon than other Rodgersias - the strong initial color was green fading to bronze, forming bronze edges in summer, and eventually turning red in autumn. In late spring, the 16-inch tall clusters of pale pink flowers with creamy white stamens are a bonus.

2. Bronzeleaf rodgersia 

   Rodgersias have very dramatic foliage - its evergreen leaves are 2 to 3 feet across with 5 glossy green leaflets, each serrated toothed and triple at the tips. The undisputed star of the group is 'Smaract' Broncyleaf Rodgersia (R. podophylla 'Smaract'). Besides being a vigorous habit and blooming well most years, spring frosts rarely damage its new leaves. Bronzeleaf Rodgersias appear earlier in the spring than most, so frost injury can be troublesome. Although 'Smuract''s bronze color fades quickly in spring, the lush summer foliage strikes on its own with or without the creamy-white flowers floating above them.

3. Badenweiter

It came to us from Germany at the beginning of the new century and quickly distinguished itself in our gardens. The large, palm-like leaves emerge red-bronze and retain this color until mid-spring—cool spring temperatures enhance leaf color but do not prolong it. While the color was strong, it was not as dark as 'Cuppermont', 'Hercules', 'Die Schön' or 'Fireworks'. Clusters of creamy white flowers give 'Badenweater' some height in late spring; The inflorescences turn pink after flowering and remain colorful until late summer.

4. 'Chocolate Wing' Feather Leaf Rodgersia

It came a long way to show us its colors; Like many of the cultivars in our test, it has continental roots – from Holland, to be exact. Although not quite as dark a hue as some newer selections, the rich, chocolate bronze leaves are very attractive in spring. In summer, a tinge of bronze reddens the dark green leaves. Starry, pale pink flowers burst from pink buds in late spring and rise a foot above the smaller plants. I guess 'Chocolate Wing' is apt for the common name Featherleaf Rodgersia, but cultivar names sometimes confuse me.