Rodgersia podophylla 'Saarbrücken'
A striking cultivar valued for its young foliage which emerges in dramatic chocolate tones. The large palmately divided leaves can reach fifty centimetres across, creating bold architectural presence. Light pink flower plumes appear on tall stems in summer, held well above the substantial foliage.
Performs best in dappled shade or shady positions with consistently moist, humus-rich soil. The chocolate leaf colour is most intense on emergence and gradually transitions to green through summer. Makes effective combinations with spring bulbs and moisture-loving perennials. Origin uncertain but garden-proven. Spreads moderately by rhizomes.
Growing Conditions
Light: part shade to shade
Moisture: moist
Soil: humus-rich moisture-retentive
Hardiness zone: 4
Maintenance: moderate
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 120
Spread (cm): 100
Habit: upright clump
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: June–July
Seasonal interest: bold foliage; summer flowers; chocolate spring color
Foliage: chocolate aging to green
Flower: light pink
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: pollinators
Deer/Rabbit resistance: yes
Habitat: shade gardens; moist borders; woodland settings
Features: chocolate-colored emerging foliage; large palmately divided leaves; light pink flowers; architectural form; rhizomatous
Notes: chocolate foliage on emergence; origin uncertain; moderately spreading by rhizomes