Rodgersia pinnata 'Die Schone' adds striking architectural presence to shaded moist areas with its large bronze tinged palmate leaves and dramatic plumes of soft pink flowers. It provides texture and movement in woodland gardens and is particularly valuable for anchoring large scale plantings.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, rich, humus filled soil with good drainage
Watering Needs: Requires consistent moisture, especially during hot summers
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided by deer due to its coarse foliage
Native Status
Rodgersia pinnata is native to China, where it grows along moist woodland edges and streams. Though not native to North America, it adapts well to similar conditions in shade gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- The airy pink plumes offer summer nectar for long tongued bees including bumblebees and mason bees.
Butterflies
- Attracts summer flying butterflies such as Great Spangled Fritillaries and Red Admirals to its softly fragrant blooms.
Beneficial Insects
- The broad leaves shelter ground beetles and other predatory insects that support garden balance.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 24 - 36 in apart to allow for mature spread and prevent crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for shaded borders, alongside water features, or at the back of woodland beds where bold foliage creates a dramatic backdrop. Combine with other moisture loving shade perennials for layered compositions.
Companion Plants
- Ligularia dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford' - Dark foliage and orange-yellow blooms echo Rodgersia's dramatic texture and color.
- Ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) - Graceful upright fronds echo Rodgersia’s bold form and thrive in similar conditions.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Silvery leaves and delicate blue flowers provide textural and seasonal contrast in shade gardens.
- Astilboides tabularis - Giant leaves create bold contrast and thrive in the same moist shade as Rodgersia.
- Hosta 'Empress Wu' - Massive architectural leaves complement Rodgersia’s scale and moisture preference.