Rodgersia pinnata

feather leaf rodgersia

  • © Paul Odermatt

  • © Paul Odermatt

Outstanding Qualities

Rodgersia pinnata brings substance and drama to the garden with its bold foliage and flamboyant panicles of pink to red flowers creating an impressive show in mid summer. It is a clump forming, rhizomatous perennial with horse-chestnut shaped leaves up to 12 inches. The leaves have 6 to 9 obovate, toothed leaflets (6-8" long). Rodgersia pinnata forms a clump that is 3 to 4 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet tall. It is great for naturalizing in wetter areas of the garden such as along streambeds or boggy areas.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: perennial

Growth Habit: clumping

Foliage Type: deciduous

Plant Height (10-year): 4 ft. 0 in. (1.22 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 4 ft. 0 in. (1.22 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 8

Flower Color: pink

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to light, open, or dappled shade

Water Requirements: frequent to regular watering

Wildlife Associations: bees, butterflies

Colors & Combos

Great Plant Combinations:

Great Color Contrasts: pink, purple, variegated

Great Color Partners: bronze, gold, dark green

Culture Notes

This large perennial grows best in rich moist to wet soil in full sun to dappled shade. It resents drought but will tolerate drier conditions if planted in more shade. Leaves are rarely damaged by slugs or cutworms. The faded flowers can become lovely seed heads, especially with more sun. The seed heads can be cut to the ground once they are unattractive. It will become a rather large clump so make sure to provide it with plenty of space.