WHAT: Mayapple rodgersia, also known as rodgersia podophylla, features big, strong, bold upright leaves that open to form a large mounded form.
WHY PLANT IT: In early spring, its leaves emerge in a deep bronze-red and turn bright green, quickly reaching about 3 feet tall and more than 18 inches across.
In early summer, plumelike flower spikes rise above the leaves, opening white to pale pink and often darkening to rose.
At the end of the season, its large leaves take on shades of soft burgundy and red until it collapses into dormancy.
WHERE: Plant in partial shade out of hot afternoon and evening sun. If there is constant moisture, it can be planted in full sun in a cool location.
Rodgersia prefers a rich organic soil with regular watering, though it will tolerate heavy soils and wet soils.
Moist locations will reward you with particularly large and robust leaves. Container plants can be placed in a dish of standing water to prevent drying out.
HOW: Because it loves moisture, rodgersia is a good companion for ferns and primroses with similar needs.
ACTUAL SIZE: It reaches about 3 feet tall when in leaf and eventually becomes a wide, robust clump up to 6 feet across.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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