Elderberry rodgersflower has no relationship to elderberry except that its leaves look similar. It's a great plant for moist shady wooded areas, spreading slowly by rhizomes to form vigorous, relatively carefree colonies. Since it's relatively compact for a Rodgersia, it can also fit nicely into borders. And wherever you put them, you get to enjoy the foamy, astilbe-like flower spikes in early summer.

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. Rabbits and deer don't bother them.