Rodgersia podophylla
Rodgersia podophylla , likes positioned in a semi shaded position with soil that does not dry out.
So many years ago when we first set up our small garden pond we messed about with marginal plants, not quite sure which ones would look best. True to form, trial and error is the way for us. It may at times be a more expensive approach, but when its your only hobby, interest, big part of your life, what the heck.
There was a time when we were fanatical about growing our own plants from seed. We really did enjoy this and got a great kick out of the results. Time has moved on and although we still bring on some plants we definitely have cut it down drastically. We have more got in to the habit of, if we see a garden plant which we like in the nursery or garden centre we just buy it, some times you just need a quick fix.
Well anyway, after planting up the pond area it still seemed like it was lacking something, a visit from a friend who also has a garden pond had been dividing some of his plants which had become over crowded and he felt that this Rodgersia, pictured above was just what was needed.
It was not a plant which I was familiar with but was told it would make a statement in the area. The spot where we thought would look best for it was very rocky, and it was virtually squeezed in to a small space that really seemed too small for the roots.
Well this was eighteen years ago and this architectural plant still looks magnificent every Summer, and take a look at the leaves.
Rodgersia podophylla ikes positioned in a semi shaded position with soil that does not dry out. The clump forming perennial has very large palmate leaves which are bronze whilst young developing mid green as they age.
The creamy pink coloured flowers are held well above the foliage in July/August. Absolutely magnificent, no wonder the RHS gave it their prestigious award of garden merit. As for after care it has received nothing other than cutting back the dead stems in late Autumn.
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Position – Partial shade
Height – 120cm/4ft
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Here we have a few Azaleas which flowered in the garden between mid April and early June. Three of them I know the name of, as for the others, I have no idea, I would be delighted if you could help out.
This one below is Azalea Luteum, a beautiful deciduous specimen which is highly fragrant. Started flowering in late April and continued till late May.
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This little beauty has been in the garden for as long as I can remember. It can be seen from the Kitchen window in the border which is only about five feet away. A dwarf evergreen variety which has taken about twenty five years to reach the height of 2ft/60cm.
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Coming through the front garden gate is a narrow passage about 20ft long. It has a slightly raised border running the length of it with a couple of Bamboos, a Pinus Mugo and this deciduous Azalea.
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Here we have another dwarf evergreen variety which has been in the raised border in the patio area for 15 years. This one is a vivid magenta colour.
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Ah, here we have a deciduous variety which I do know the name of. Azalea Glowing Embers, very floriferous, the name says it all.
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The only reason I know the name of this dwarf evergreen one is down to the fact that it was only recently planted in one of the borders in the main are of the back garden. Maria Elena.
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Finally, this deciduous one is in the round garden.
Esther, the very fact that you show so much interest in the subject makes you a gardener in my mind.
Indeed. That’s what sparked my thoughts. They wouldn’t have taken off unless you were the gardener that you are, with a garden as well thought out and as well tended a garden yours is!
I’m still trying to work out what I am. I think I am ‘someone who grows some things’ – it’s as vague as that!
Esther
Azaleas are truly a garden worthy plant Esther.
Hi again Esther, just read your post and see what you mean, its ok, clever people may realise that you are not having a go at me. I can honestly see where you are coming from, I have always done a bit of both, grown from seed and purchased mature plants. I think someone would be very misinformed if they were of the opinion that I am not a true gardener.
Hi Esther, gosh its perfectly understandable that people have different views.
Alistair – I hope you don’t mind – but I’ve just written a post about thoughts which came to mind when I read your remarks about buying larger plants – ones which look good straight away. The beginning may suggest I disagree with you but, by the end, you will see I don’t – so I hope that is ok.
This is the link
http://esthersboringgardenblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/guilty-gardening.html
If you aren’t happy with it, I can change it. Do let me know.
Esther
I wouldn’t have known some of these flowers (like the Azalea Luteum) are azaleas unless you had said. It makes me much better disposed towards them, I think.
Esther
Thanks Fer, see you over in my garden in japan soon.
Your garden looks amazing as always.
I also have to cut down on my gardening purchases, the balcony is all full again and I still have a lot of things growing on.
Thanks Masha, Always pleased to having you visit my site.
What gorgeous azaleas! You have so many and they all look wonderful. I love the picture of the ducks nibbling on the blooms :). It was interesting to read about rodgersia – another plant I have not heard about and you introduced me to.
Thanks for the visit catmint, I think Glowing embers is also my favourite.
Hi Alastair, I had never heard of the rodgersia – it looks like a great sculptural plant. I can relate to your approach – trial and error is my fave way of learning too. The only seeds I can be bothered with are wildflower seeds that you just chuck onto the soil and they surprise you later (or they don’t). Wonderful collection of azaleas – glowing embers possibly my favourite.
Thanks Andrea, I have continually ignored the quick links, no chance of me becoming a guru.
Jennifer, Trilliums growing wild at the side of the road, verging on exotic.
Hi Alistair,
I am not familiar with Rodgersia Pinnata at all and so was happy to read about it. The azalea’s are beautiful. I especially like the yellow one.
I also looked at the post on trilliums. (A white trillium is our provincial flower.) I admired some wild ones at the side of the road a few weeks back. After reading your post I am thinking of adding them to my garden. I especially like the pink ones. Just beautiful!!
Hi Alistair, thanks for commenting on my post too. In Blotanical, I look for the names of bloggers at the Quick Links @ bottom left side bar immediately after logging in, while you are in your home page. If you are on some people’s blogpage you can click the ‘return to my page’ before seeing the Quick Links. Be sure to click both the windows there. Happy picking and blogging.
Thanks Andrea, been trying to find you on blotanical.
Wow that Rodgersia is very beautiful. I dont know it, nor have seen it but it really is elegant looking. Your other flowers are so generous with their blooms.
Thanks One, seems like my new camera does do best when it comes to the close ups.
They are all beautiful. The close up of the Azaleas are the best.
Mark/Gaz, The Rodgersia wasn’t exactly ripped out but the garden did look a bit messy for a few days.
Fabulous Azaleas Alistair! I do love the vivid blooms of these plants. Your Rodgersia is doing very well, I too am a fan of them. Someone mentioned to me a few days ago that their clump has been ripped out by the gales last week, thankfully it looks like you weren’t affected 🙂
Yes Holley, glowing Embers is not for the timid.
Hi Larry, I guess our cooler Spring and Summers can be a bonus in some respects. We actually had a couple of days of 25c last week. Down to 11c today. Enjoy your garden visit.
Hi Christine,The young often exceed our wildest dreams.
Your Azaleas are spectacular! Mine aspire to look like yours when they grow up 🙂
Hello Alistair… I really am impressed with your beautiful azaleas and the Rodgersia.
I have one very old Rodgersia which has grown to about 6 feet across… it should be in bloom very soon. Our Northern Lights series azaleas were beautiful this season but went past in a flash with the excessive heat we’ve been getting… same scenario for the tree peonies I’m afraid. Only one excessively hot day forecast this next week so I’m hoping for more staying power as the herbaceous and intersectional peonies come into bloom. We have most of the annuals planted now… just a few hundred left to get in the ground. Not much luck with other forms of azaleas I’m afraid… in fact, I was offered an evergreen azalea just the other day and thought it not likely to survive, so I turned down the gift.
This afternoon we are visiting a wonderful garden of a great many mature tree peonies… I am really looking forward to the experience… the owner is pretty much a legend among peony folks. Take care, Larry
Wow, that Glowing Embers azalea is amazing! I have never grown Rodgersia, but may have a spot in which I can try it. Like you, I usually go for the quick fix, and learn by trial and error!
Hi b-a-g, I can well understand how you would be fanatical about seed growing. Just got back from Knutsford and had a lovely visit to Tatton park gardens.
Nell Jean, I think I would miss having the Azaleas in late Spring more than any of the others, thanks for your visit.
Beautiful azaleas. The world of Azaleas is so interesting to consider. We have native azaleas here that are similar to Asiatic natives.
Spring would not be the same without them. Butterflies appear to agree.
Hi Alistair – I’m still fanatical about growing plants from seed, unless someone gives me a plant, as in your case. I used to think plants in garden centres £10 or more were over-priced, but now I realise the hard work that goes into growing plants from scratch, I am now beginning to think £10 is value for money…. I love the idea of a marginal plant, half on the land and half in water & needless to say your azaleas are beautiful.
Hi Donna, I had this post set to automatically publish today, a check by Myra has confirmed that the Rodgersia is Pinnata and not Podophylla as I had suggested. Azaleas flourish here Donna, our soil is on the acidic side.
I would have thought Azaleas would have done well in your part of the world Donna. Swings and roundabouts, I bet Magnolias do well in your garden whereas they stand no chance with us.
You really have a nice selection of azalea. They do not do very well in our climate. People buy quite a few of them, but they generally last only a few years at most.
I love your Rodgersia. I planted one in the more shaded moist area and it loves it…it does make quite a statement…I love your philosophy of getting a fix and buying something you like…I do it often and find a spot to tuck it in…wow can you grow azaleas…my soil is so alkaline it really is a stretch to get a few to grow…