Rodgersia pinnata

Rodgersia pinnata is a large perennial that loves the shade and the moist freshness of the undergrowth. From mid to late summer, its tall reddish stems bear paniculate pale-pink star-shaped flowers washed with yellow, turning ruby red. The flowers appear above a beautiful clump of dark green pinnate foliage. It is a robust and very hardy plant in even clayey moist soil. It will be fabulous in cool and humid climates, sheltered from wind and direct sunlight.

Rodgersia pinnata is a large rhizomatous perennial plant with an architectural and bushy habit, originating from the deep valleys of the Chinese province of Yunnan. From its fleshy rhizome emerges a clump of large pinnate leaves, reaching a height of 1m (3ft) and a width of 60cm (24in). The clumps slowly spread to form stumps of more than 1m² over time. The foliage of this perennial is distinguished by its appearance, which strongly resembles that of chestnut trees. The leaves are quite elongated, reaching a length of 90cm (35in). They are divided into 5 to 9 lanceolate, wrinkled, deeply veined leaflets, opposite each other in pairs, with a terminal leaflet. It flowers in mid-summer, launching its large paniculate inflorescences on red stems, ranging from 30 to 70cm (12 to 28in) in length. They are adorned with flowers that are initially pale-pink and then purple, washed with yellow.

Rodgersia pinnata loves shade and moist areas. It is ideal near water features, in the company of ferns, grasses, and astilbes, or along the edge of moist woodlands with tiarellas and heucheras. It can tolerate drier conditions, as long as it is planted in shade. Plant it in abundance to cover the ground along a shaded pathway, or as a standout specimen, enhanced by a carpet of golden sedge and the blue flowers of liverworts.