Shieldleaf Roger's Flower Astilboides tabularis
ABOUT
The common name for Astilboides tabularis is shieldleaf roger. This plant is known for its distinctive foliage which is quite bold and architectural in appearance. The leaves are rounded, almost circular in shape, with a deeply lobed and scalloped edge, giving them a deeply textured, almost frilly appearance. They emerge in a rich, shiny green hue which can catch the eye and add a lushness to garden settings. Shieldleaf roger produces small, creamy white or pale pink flowers that are not particularly showy and often considered inconsequential compared to the foliage. These flowers are borne in loose panicles which float above the leaves on slim stems. The overall impression of the plant is one of grandeur and robustness, with leaves that can resemble large, rounded table tops. The foliage is one of the main reasons gardeners opt to plant it, as it provides a distinctive look that can act as a focal point in shaded garden areas. Despite being an impressive garden specimen, shieldleaf roger is not generally known for its flowers or fragrance. The main appeal lies in the texture and shape of the leaves, which can provide a strong visual contrast to both broad-leaved and fine-textured plants in a garden composition. It's a plant that offers a bold statement with its leaves and adds a dramatic effect to any planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shieldleaf Roger’s Flower, Rodgersia Tabularis
Common names
Astilbe tabularis, Rodgersia tabularis.
ToxicityTo humans
Astilboides tabularis, commonly known as Shieldleaf Rodgersia, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence indicating that ingesting parts of this plant has harmful effects on human health. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, but there are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from the Shieldleaf Rodgersia.
To pets
Shieldleaf Rodgersia is also not recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It does not appear on toxic plant lists maintained by major animal poison control organizations. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it is unlikely to cause poisoning. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food items can sometimes result in gastrointestinal upset in pets; thus, monitoring for signs of distress after ingestion is prudent.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-3 feet [60-90 cm]
Spread
2-3 feet [60-90 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Astilboides tabularis, also known as Shieldleaf Roger's Flower, offers aesthetic appeal to gardens with its large, rounded leaves and attractive white flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is well-suited for shady areas where other plants might struggle to thrive, enabling gardeners to beautify less sunny spots.
- Moisture Loving: It is ideal for damp or waterside locations, as it thrives in moist soil conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Shieldleaf Roger's Flower is considered low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding colder climates, making it a suitable option for northern gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its large leaves can help suppress weeds, reducing the need for frequent weeding and providing an effective ground cover.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, helping to support local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilboides tabularis leaves are sometimes used as a natural mold for casting concrete stepping stones or birdbaths due to their large, sculptural shape.
- The plant can be used in large-scale water garden designs to mimic the look of lily pads when planted along pond edges.
- Gardeners may use the Astilboides tabularis in shade garden designs to provide a tropical feel, as the foliage has a lush appearance.
- Its striking foliage can be used in photography or art projects as a backdrop to create a sense of depth and texture.
- In areas with large deer populations, Astilboides tabularis can be planted as it is not favored by deer and can help deter them from more susceptible plants.
- The dried leaves of the Astilboides tabularis are used in crafting, such as natural wreath making or as part of botanical collage materials.
- This plant is used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture to demonstrate the variations in leaf morphologies among different plant species.
- In landscape design, Astilboides tabularis is strategically placed to conceal unsightly garden utilities, such as compost bins, due to its dense foliage.
- Creative gardeners might use the large leaves of the Astilboides tabularis to create natural "umbrellas" for shade-loving understory plants.
- Some people use the Astilboides tabularis plant as a natural play element for children, with its large leaves offering hiding spots or elements in garden-based games.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shieldleaf Roger’s Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Shelter: With its large, rounded leaves that resemble umbrellas, Astilboides tabularis, commonly known as the Shieldleaf Roger's Flower, symbolizes protection and shelter. It suggests a nurturing presence or a safe haven.
- Community: The way its leaves spread out, often overlapping, can represent community and togetherness, as if each leaf supports the others around it.
- Growth: This plant tends to grow in lush, spreading clumps, which can symbolize personal or collective growth and expansion.
- Adaptability: Given that the Shieldleaf Roger's Flower can thrive in a variety of moist woodland conditions, it can be seen to symbolize adaptability and resilience in various circumstances.
- Uniqueness: The unique shape and size of its leaves can stand for the unique qualities in an individual or in a situation, reminding us to celebrate differences.
WaterShieldleaf Roger's flower requires regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water once every week, providing the plant with approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the moisture level of the soil. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall and winter to every other week or less, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering should be avoided to prevent root rot, so it's essential to ensure good drainage and check the soil moisture before adding more water.
LightShieldleaf Roger's flower thrives best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. It should be placed in a spot that receives morning light but is protected from the intense direct afternoon sun. Ideal lighting conditions would mimic a forest understory, providing bright but dappled light. Direct exposure to full sun can scorch its leaves, so shield it accordingly.
TemperatureShieldleaf Roger's flower prefers a cool to moderate temperature range, thriving between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to 30°F for short periods but should be protected from hard frosts. The ideal growing conditions for this plant include avoiding extreme heat, so it's best not to expose the plant to temperatures above 80°F for sustained periods.
PruningPruning Shieldleaf Roger's flower is generally done to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. Pruning is best performed in the spring to allow the plant to recover during its active growing season. Pruning every year or every other year is typically sufficient, cutting back any old leaves to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShieldleaf Roger's Flower thrives in a moist, well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A mixture containing peat, compost, and perlite will ensure proper moisture retention and drainage. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 and 7.
RepottingShieldleaf Roger's Flower generally requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring when the plant is entering a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingShieldleaf Roger's Flower benefits from high humidity conditions similar to its natural forest habitat. Aim for a humidity level of 60% or higher to keep this plant thriving.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist for Shieldleaf Roger's Flower.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, keep soil moist, and protect from harsh sun for Shieldleaf Roger's Flower.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleAstilboides tabularis, commonly known as the shieldleaf Roger’s flower, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating when exposed to moist, cool conditions in spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic large, rounded leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a basal clump that produces increasingly larger leaves and may spread via rhizomes to form a colony. During its flowering stage in early to mid-summer, it produces small, white or cream-colored flowers in panicle-like inflorescences. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which disperses to create new individuals, while the parent plant often enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. The shieldleaf Roger’s flower is a perennial plant, regrowing each spring from the same roots and repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the Shieldleaf Rodgersia, or Astilboides tabularis, involves division. This process is best carried out in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the root mass into smaller sections, each with several growth points or shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 24 to 36 inches (approximately 61 to 91 cm) apart to accommodate their large spread. Ensure they are kept well-watered while they establish in their new locations. This method is straightforward and ensures that the new plants are true to the parent in terms of their characteristics.
