How to Plant and Grow Rodger’s Flower

A big plant for a big space, Rodger's flower adds instant architecture to the garden. This moisture-loving plant grows well alongside streams, in bogs, and other areas with consistently damp soil. Its massive palm-shaped leaves are thick with a coarsely toothed edge. The clump of foliage is topped by sturdy flower spikes extending 1 to 2 feet above the mound, resembling a giant astilbe. Count on the fragrant flower to debut in early summer and keep its good looks for several weeks.

There are five species in the Rodgersia genus, which was named after U.S. Admiral John Rodgers, who commanded a Pacific expedition during which the first Rodger's flower was found in the 1850s.

The plants are fairly slow-growing and emerge rather late in the spring.

Where to Plant Rodger's Flower

A location in partial shade usually works best for Rodger’s flower because it is usually more likely to provide the moist soil that the plant needs. Planting in full sun is only advised if the soil is moist at all times. Rodger’s flower does best in rich soil but is not particular as to soil pH.

Plant it in the bog or rain garden with other moisture-loving plants. Rodger's flower pairs well with many shade garden plants. Use its bold presence to anchor the back of a garden. Plant it near colorful royal fern, rocket ligularia, hosta, or black snakeroot.

Be sure to select a planting location that has space for the plant’s expansion.

How and When to Plant Rodger's Flower

Plant Rodger's flower in early spring. Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the container the plant is growing in. Place it so that the crown of the plant is even with the surrounding grade and backfill with soil. Water well after planting and continue to water regularly during the first season to encourage a strong root system.

Blanket the soil around Rodger's flower with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to prevent soil moisture loss.

Rodger's Flower Care Tips

Rodger's flower is a low-maintenance plant and easy to grow.

Light

Rodger's flower grows in part shade or full sun. If planted in full sun, wet soil is a must.

Soil and Water

The soil should be rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.1 and 7.8.

Constant soil moisture is essential. If you don't have a location with naturally moist soil, be prepared to water the plant frequently. If the soil dries out, leaf margins may turn brown.

Temperature and Humidity

Rodger’s flower grows in a wide zone range, tolerating both cold winters and warm summers. In warmer zones, a location where the plant is sheltered from the sun's heat is important because the soil dries out fast. At the northern range of the climate range, select a spot that is protected from chilly winter winds.

The plant has no particular humidity requirements.

Fertilizer

Unless it has been planted in nutrient-poor soil, Rodger's flower rarely needs fertilization.

Pruning

Allow Rodger's flower foliage to remain in the garden over winter where it will provide shelter for insects and small animals. Rake and remove foliage in early spring.

Potting and Repotting Rodger's Flower

Growing Rodger's flower in a container is challenging, not only because of the plant's considerable size but also because the soil of potted plants gets hotter than garden soil and dries out much faster, both of which is detrimental to growing Rodger's flower.

Pests and Problems

Rodger's flower is unbothered by major pests and diseases. Occasionally, you might find snails or slugs feeding on the plants.

How to Propagate Rodger's Flower

Rodger's flower is easy to propagate by division. In early spring as soon as foliage emerges, use a sharp spade to dig up a small section of the plant and replant it in a nearby location at the same depth as the original plant. Water divisions regularly during the first season after transplanting.

Types of Rodger's Flower

Fingerleaf Rodgersia

The panicles of tiny, star-shaped white or pink flowers in early summer are attractive but Rodgersia aesculifolia is primarily grown for its foliage. The large, crinkled leaves resemble the leaves of the horse chestnut, which gave the plant its botanical name. Zone 5-7

Rodgersia pinnata ‘Bronze Peacock’

Growing only 1 to 2 ft. tall and 2 to 3 ft. wide, this cultivar has a more compact habit than other rodgersias. The leaves start as dark bronze and mature to a shiny green. In the summer, tiny pink flowers emerge on branched red stems. Zone 5-8 

Rodgersia pinnata ‘Chocolate Wings’

'Chocolate Wings' has leaves that emerge as dark purple-brown in spring, turn green over the summer, and mature to a bronze-burgundy in fall. Small, dark pink flower panicles appear on branched stems in the summer. Zone 4-8 

Rodgersia pinnata ‘Superba’

This cultivar comes with white, creamy-pink, or bright pink flowers. The glossy, textured, serrated foliage is bronze-colored all season long. Zone 4-7

Rodger's Flower Companion Plants

Iris

Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the iris indeed comes in a rainbow of colors and many heights. All have the classic intricate flowers. The flowers are constructed with three upright "standard" petals and three drooping "fall" petals, which are often different colors. The falls may be "bearded" or not. Some cultivars bloom a second time in late summer. Some species prefer alkaline soil while others prefer acidic soil. Zone 3-11

Meadow Rue

The elegant stems and fuzzy flowers of meadow rue create a delicate screen through which to view the rest of the garden. These often-towering plants are grown for their delicate leaves as well as their flower. They lack petals but have delicate and conspicuous stamens and, sometimes, persistent colored sepals that are attractive. Tall species are excellent in the back of a border or midborder in front of shorter but bolder plants, in wild gardens, or among shrubs. Meadow rues prefer lightly shaded spots where soil is humus-rich. Zone 3-9

Loosestrife

Unlike the invasive purple loosestrife, some members of that large Lysimachia genus are a welcome addition to the garden. Loosestrife varies from tall, stately plants suitable for borders to others that can be planted as creeping groundcovers. Flowers, too, vary from tight spikes of 1/2 inch to 1-inch cups carried alone or in whorls. Humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil is recommended; some varieties enjoy wet soil and ample water. Zone 4-9

Astilbe

Astilbe brings a graceful, feathering note to moist, shady landscapes. In cooler climates in the northern third or so of the country, it can tolerate full sun provided it has a constant supply of moisture. In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun.Feathery plumes of white, pink, lavender, or red flowers rise above the finely divided foliage from early to late summer depending on the variety. It will spread slowly over time where well-situated. Most commercially available types are complex hybrids. Zone 4-8