The emerging foliage of 'Bronze Peacock' is deep bronze...darker than any other Rodgersia. The leaves are thick and glossy, with deeply indented veins. The astilbe-like flowers rise two feet above the foliage in June, followed by handsome long-lasting seed heads. But all said and done, it's the foliage that steals the show.

In the shade garden,Rodgersias give you a bold counterpoint to the delicate airy foliage common to so many shade plants in our area. The leaves of certain varieties can be 2 feet long, giving them the visual impact of a tropical. Yes, they do bloom, but not profusely and not reliably, at least in our climate. The drama's in the foliage. Give them time to get established, dappled sun, and consistent moisture, and they'll thrive.