Rodgersia Cultivation for Bog Gardens

Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Real Men Sow

The finger leaf rodgersia plants make a great accent to a water or bog garden. These large, deeply lobed leaves look like the horse chestnut tree’s foliage.  The plant thrives in partial sunlight where the soil is moist and slightly acidic. Rodgersia cultivation has been a Chinese tradition. It is also used to make a natural herbal remedy. This stunning foliage plant is ideal for Asian gardens.

  • Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
  • Height: 36 to 60 inches (90—150 cm).
  • Flowers: Late spring to summer.
  • Flower Details: Pink, creamy, white, red. Small. Curled clusters. Astilbe-like panicles.
  • Foliage: Herbaceous. Compound. Pinnate. Palmate. Veined. Turns red/bronze towards the end of summer.

What Are Fingerleaf Rodgersia Plants

This plant’s main attraction is its foliage. The flowers are small and look like an astilbe spike. Palmate leaves are what really make the difference. They can grow up to 12 inches (30cm) in length. In width. Five-pointed tips are found on the deeply veined leaves, which are a favorite snack for snails and slugs. They emerge from thick, hairy stalks with light mottling. To preserve the stunning foliage, finger leaf Rodgersia must be managed. The plant can grow up to 3 feet (6 m – 0.9 – 1.8 m) from its rhizomes and is vigorous.

Cultivation of Rodgersia

This plant has a great foliar form and shape. It was used by the Chinese to treat stomach problems and arthritis. It has antibacterial as well as antiviral properties.

Rodgersia is a perennial that dies in winter but re-emerges in spring. These tiny, pink-colored flowers bloom from late spring to midsummer. For finger leaf Rodgersia, choose moist soil rich in compost and semi-shade or partial sun. The ideal locations are around a fountain or in a forest rainforest garden. You should leave plenty of space for the plant’s growth and spread.

Care Guide for Rodgersia

Rodgersia plants will thrive if you have the right site. Once the plant is installed, water it regularly until it becomes established. After that, water the plant when it is dry or hot.

As needed, trim dead stems and leaves. When the flower spike is full, remove it. Rodgersias will die back in winter so take out the old leaves to make way for new growth in spring. For autumn interest, you can leave the flowers in their place to make reddish seed heads.

Propagation

You can either plant more Rodgersia seeds or divide them. It takes several years for seeds to grow large, showy leaves. To promote greater growth, it is a good idea to divide the mature plant every three years. It is best to remove it from the ground in spring or late winter.

Clean a soil saw or sharp pruners to separate the plant into 2 pieces. Each piece should have many roots. Place the pieces in moist, but not soggy soil. Ensure that you water the pieces regularly and follow Rodgersia’s best practices for plant care. Now you have two pieces of a plant with almost annual appeal and stopping foliage.

Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.