feather leaf rodgersia
© Paul Odermatt
© Paul Odermatt
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.
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
Great Plant Combinations:
Great Color Contrasts: pink, purple, variegated
Great Color Partners: bronze, gold, dark green
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.
Text and photos ©2025 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden