Featherleaf Rodgersia Rodgersia pinnata
ABOUT
Rodgersia pinnata, commonly known as rodger's flower, is a visually striking perennial that boasts large, compound leaves reminiscent of those found on horse chestnut trees. The leaves are divided into leaflets that fan out and are typically deep green, sometimes with a bronzy or reddish tinge that adds to their ornamental appeal. These serrated leaflets are arranged in a pinnate fashion, contributing to the luxurious, textured appearance of the foliage. As for the blooms, rodger's flower features prominent, feathery plumes of tiny flowers that stand upright, giving a frothy, cloud-like effect. These flowers can be found in a range of colors, from soft pinks to creamy whites, and even bolder hues. The inflorescences appear in mid to late summer, creating an eye-catching display above the lush backdrop of foliage. The overall form of the rodger's flower is one of substantial presence and opulence, with its attractive foliage providing a rich tapestry of texture and its distinctive flowers adding a vertical accent. This makes the rodger's flower a sought-after addition to garden settings where visual impact and a touch of the exotic are desired.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rodgersia, Featherleaf Rodgers Flower, Rodger's Flower
Common names
Astilbe pinnata, Rodgersia podophylla.
ToxicityTo humans
Rodgersia pinnata, commonly known as the featherleaf rodgersia, is not typically known for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information regarding its poisonous properties, and it is generally not considered a hazardous plant. Ingesting any part of this plant is not commonly associated with serious symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not known to be edible as individual sensitivities can vary.
To pets
The featherleaf rodgersia is also not well-documented for its toxicity to pets. While there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with Rodgersia pinnata, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants. If a pet consumes any part of the plant, monitoring for any signs of distress and consulting with a veterinarian is suggested, especially if symptoms develop.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Rodgersia pinnata, commonly known as fingerleaf rodgersia, adds aesthetic value to gardens with its large, palmate leaves and plume-like flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Moisture Loving: Fingerleaf rodgersia is ideal for damp areas and waterside plantings, as it prefers consistently moist soil.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing foliage colors through the seasons, from spring to autumn, Rodgersia pinnata offers prolonged visual interest.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy plant that does not require complicated care, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system can help stabilize soil in sloped gardens or near water features, preventing erosion.
- Large Foliage: The sizeable leaves can add texture and contrast to a mixed planting scheme, complementing both larger and finer foliage plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rodgersia pinnata, commonly known as rodgersia, can be used in the creation of woodland gardens where it provides a lush, tropical-like underplanting for taller trees and shrubs due to its large, attractive leaves.
- Rodgersia is ideal for waterside planting alongside ponds or streams, providing erosion control with its dense clumping habit.
- The textural contrast of rodgersia's foliage pairs well with ferns and hostas in shade gardens, offering an aesthetic variety.
- The flowers of rodgersia can be cut and used in floral arrangements for their structural interest, lasting for several days in a vase.
- Rodgersia can be used as a natural divider or screen in a garden due to its size and fullness, providing privacy and structure.
- The plant's robust presence can be employed to fill in large, sparse areas of the garden, creating a more lush and full landscape.
- Rodgersia's leaves are sometimes used in leaf casting, a decorative art form, where the vein patterns are captured in cement or plaster for garden ornaments.
- In thematic gardens, rodgersia is an excellent addition to Asian-inspired garden designs, aligning with the aesthetics of balance and natural beauty.
- During autumn, the foliage of rodgersia takes on striking colors, adding seasonal interest to the garden as the leaves turn varying shades of yellow, bronze, and red.
- Rodgersia can be planted to stabilize the banks of naturalized rain gardens, utilizing its root system to absorb excess water and reduce runoff.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRodgersia pinnata, commonly known as fingerleaf rodgersia, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFingerleaf rodgersia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unique Beauty: The feathered and striking appearance of Rodgersia pinnata, commonly known as rodgersia, symbolizes unique beauty and standing out in a crowd due to its distinctive foliage and flower plumes.
- Natural Charm: Rodgersia is known for its lush and ornamental nature, representing charm and grace in a natural setting as it adds elegance to any garden it inhabits.
- Strength in Shade: As rodgersia thrives in shaded environments, it symbolizes the ability to grow and prosper even in less-than-ideal circumstances, akin to finding strength in adversity.
- Adaptability: The plant's ability to adapt to various soil types and moisture levels stands for versatility and the capability to adjust to changing situations.
WaterRodgersia pinnata, commonly known as Rodgers’ bronze leaf, prefers consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week. It's vital to avoid letting the plant dry out completely, especially during hot, dry periods. Provide the Rodgers’ bronze leaf with approximately one gallon of water per week during the growing season, adjusting as necessary for rainfall or extreme temperatures. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightRodgers’ bronze leaf thrives in partial shade, away from the intense afternoon sun which can scorch its leaves. The ideal location would be one where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day, making it perfect for a spot under tall trees or on the north side of a building where it can be protected from direct, harsh sun.
TemperatureRodgers’ bronze leaf is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best in environments where temperatures remain consistently between 60°F and 75°F. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but may suffer damage if exposed to prolonged freezing conditions. During hot summers, ensuring adequate moisture can help maintain the ideal temperature range.
PruningPrune Rodgers’ bronze leaf in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. Pruning is not frequently required but doing so will encourage healthy new growth. The best time for more extensive pruning is after the plant has finished blooming, at which point you can cut back the flower stalks to tidy up the appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRodgersia pinnata, commonly known as rodger's flower, thrives best in a rich, moist, organic soil mix with good drainage. A recipe for its soil could be a blend of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark to ensure moisture retention and aeration. The ideal soil pH for the rodger's flower ranges from 6 to 7 to maintain healthy growth.
RepottingRodger's flower, or Rodgersia pinnata, does not require frequent repotting as it prefers to be left undisturbed. It should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or once it has outgrown its current pot, to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingRodgersia pinnata, also known as rodger's flower, prefers high humidity environments, which mimic its natural habitat by streams or wooded areas. To thrive, try maintaining a humidity level of around 40-60%, ensuring it does not drop too low, especially in dry indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Rodgersia pinnata in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Rodgersia pinnata in partial shade, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleRodgersia pinnata, commonly known as Featherleaf Rodgersia, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring, favoring moist, humus-rich soil. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a clump-forming perennial with a stout rhizome. Throughout spring and summer, the plant experiences vegetative growth, producing its distinctive, deeply pinnate leaves and gaining height and breadth. By midsummer, the Rodgersia pinnata reaches maturity and sends up tall flower stalks topped with panicles of small, star-shaped flowers, varying from white to pink. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or water. In autumn, the foliage often turns an attractive bronze color before dying back in winter, though the rhizome remains dormant underground until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating Rodgersia pinnata, commonly known as Rodger's flower, is through division. Division is best done in the spring as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground with a garden fork, being cautious not to damage the roots. Gently separate the crown of the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at initially, spacing them about 24 inches (approximately 61 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and to aid in their establishment. This method is effective for increasing the number of plants quickly and is often used to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become less vigorous.
