Bronzeleaf rodgersflower is native to woodlands in Japan and Korea, and unlike most Rodgersias it can tolerate boggy areas such as rain gardens or pondsides. It can also naturalize over time, via slow-creeping rhizomes. The large, very handsome leaves emerge bronze-green, mature to green, and turn a rich bronze red in fall. When and if it blooms, the flowers are not particularly showy.

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. Slugs, rabbits and deer don't bother them.