Culture
Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers organically rich, moist soils in light shade.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rodgersia pinnata is a bold, rhizomatous perennial with pinnately compound, basal leaves which appear palmate. Each leaf has 6-9 leaflets (6-8" long). Clusters of apetalous, creamy pink to red flowers appear in late spring to early summer in branched, astilbe-like panicles rising above the foliage mound to 3-4' tall. Foliage turns reddish-bronze in late summer.
Genus name honors Rear-Admiral John Rodgers (1812-1882), distinguished American naval officer who commanded in 1852-1856 a Pacific expedition during which the first species of this genus was discovered.
Specific epithet refers to the plant's pinnate leaves but this is often hard to see as leaflets may be so close together to appear palmate. Check several leaves. Species can also interbreed resulting in a blurring of leaf types.
'Chocolate Wing' features highly textured foliage that emerges dark purple-brown in spring before maturing from green to bronze and burgundy in fall. Branched panicles of small, dark pink flowers are held above the foliage in mid-summer. Mature clumps can reach up to 3' tall and spread to fill a 3.25' area.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Mass or group in moist woodland or bog gardens or in wet areas along stream or ponds. Also excellent accent or specimen. Effective in the border as long as the soil moisture requirements can be met.