Rodgersia pinnata 'Chocolate Wings'

Finely cut leaves are deep cocoa bronze when they emerge turning dark green; striking nodding plumes of hot pink flowers in early summer make a great display; recommend partial shade but moist soils are a necessity when planting in full sun

Chocolate Wings Rodgersia is an herbaceous perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Chocolate Wings Rodgersia features bold plumes of hot pink flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive large serrated oval palmate leaves emerge dark brown in spring, turning dark green in colour. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous dark red in the fall. The red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Chocolate Wings Rodgersia will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 4 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 3 feet apart. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!