'Die Schone' comes from a group of Rodgersia native to dry grassy areas, so it can handle full sun as well as part shade. While it's not as thirsty as its woodland cousins, it'll still appreciate some mulch in the sun. The leaves emerge dark bronze, maturing to olive green with a red edge, and brightening to red bronze in the fall. Pink flowers in June yield handsome, long-lasting seed heads. 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 thri.