The Rodgeria genus consists of six species and several cultivars.
Somewhat comparable toastilbe,these plants grow taller (to 5 feet) with more decoration in the foliage.
Rodgeria plants start to fade and take on a straggly appearance after five or six years.
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Dividing healthy, mature plants and removing old foliage improves performance.
Light
To get the most from your rodgersia, provide the light recommended for your variety.
Varieties grown in full sun require soil that stays consistently moist.
Soil
Rodgersia are moisture-loving plants found naturally in bogs and wet environments.
They adapt to soil key in from clay to sand butfertile loamencourages good health and performance.
Soil pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline is adequate for growing rodgersia.
Water
Water regularly when first transplanting into the garden.
A spot protected from drying winds improves air and soil moisture.
Add alayer of mulchto keep plants looking their best until frost.
Temperature and Humidity
Rodgersia is a plant best suited to temperate climates with cooler summers.
While temperatures as high as 105F can be tolerated, plants acclimate better to temperatures between 65F and 80F.
This perennial dies back in autumn when temperatures start to drop but roots are hardy to 15F.
In areas with extremely cold winters, protect roots with a layer of mulch.
Choosing a location sheltered from strong, drying winter winds helps prevent plant loss.
Types of Rodgersia
Pruning
In temperate zones remove foliage after dieback in autumn.
Propagating Rodgersia
Rodgersia is propagated through division.
These are not long-lived plants but they do have a well-behaved spread and attractive clumping habit.
Keep them looking good by dividing mature plants every three years in early spring.
Large clumps can be split and replanted right away.
Use a shovel or garden trowel to dig up a clump.
Split it into two pieces with a saw or sharp knife.
Each section should have a good root system.
Set plants at the same level as in their original location.
Smaller divisions have a better chance of survival if potted up and kept ina cold frameorgreenhouse overwinter.
Plants can take as long as three years to reach maturity with full color and bloom.
Seeds of cultivars may not produce a plant identical to the parent.
Saved seed of some varieties also requires a cold stratification of 60 days.
Seeds germinate anywhere from two weeks to two months depending on species and cultivar.
Grow seedlings out in pots for one year before transplanting to an outdoor location.
Seeds sown in spring can be left in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse to stratify naturally.
Or you’re free to refrigerate them in damp moss or a damp paper towel for two months.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in quality potting soil, and cover lightly.
Place in a location with bright, indirect light and keep them evenly moist.
Expose seedlings gradually to more light.
To grow it in a pot, choose a smaller variety and a large container.
Leaf and flower size will likely be smaller.
Overwintering
No special care is needed for rodgersia which dies back naturally in autumn.
In climates with winter temperatures that drop below 15F, add a 3-inch layer of mulch to protect roots.
If you are counting on blooms, look for a species variety such asR.
podophylla.Some cultivars are not reliable bloomers and may be picky about growing conditions.
Bloom Months
Rodgersia blooms spring through summer with flower stalks that last several weeks at a time.
New stalks are produced weekly.
What Do Rodgersia Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flowers do not have petals but are instead colored by sepals and stamens.
Single blooms ride atop spikes that can range in height from 6 inches to 6 feet.
Flowers have a soft, delicate floral scent.
These conditions can be precise according to variety.
Caring for Rodgersia After It Blooms
Healthy rodgersia looks good from spring until dieback occurs in autumn.
Deadheading Rodgersia Flowers
Blooms last for several weeks and should be deadheaded when they turn brown.
Remove the entire flower spike by cutting it at the base.
Review the light, soil, and moisture requirements of your variety and make corrections where necessary.
Wilt
Rodgersia wilts, dries up and turns brown if soil is allowed to dry out.
Too much sun causes plants to take on a straggly, unkempt look and can cause discoloration on foliage.
In areas with late spring frosts, early varieties can also suffer frost damage.
Rodgersia are large plants that form clumps with big, basal leaves and tall flower spikes.
Rodgersia are not vulnerable to deer or rabbits.
Bold, Shade-Loving Rodgersias.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Rodgersia Podophylla.Plants For A Future
