I only started planting rodgersias last year (having assumed that my conditions are too dry...which they really are, but...), so too early to comment, although I know other people here grow them and should be able to reply.
I know of gardeners in Calgary who grow Petasites japonica and other species - hardy but hellishly invasive! So far as I know, all the common garden Petasites are invasive, as the native coltsfoots (as I found out...)
Lori

This one has been performing nicely for me for several years now. I have it situated in full sun and soil amended with plenty of peat. Yes, it does appear to appreciate a moderate amount of moisture as otherwise it sulks and vigor is much reduced  though, IÂm not sure how it does in real wet soils? In Edmonton IÂve seen some awesome specimens planted on the north side of buildings. It has been very hardy for me and receives no winter protection.

I have four other types of rodgersia with two more ordered for the spring. I DO protect these others, as the rhizomes do tend to grow up to the surface of the soil. IÂm not sure of their true hardiness and cover them as theyÂre rather pricey slow growing plants and hate to chance on losing them!

Terry

So...? What species do you have and are you getting, Terry? Don't tease, LOL!
I planted A. tabularis (some seedlings along with a purchased plant - I have no patience) and A. aesculifolia last year in one of the "acid/neutral/bog" beds.
Good to hear they can get by with shade rather than extra moisture, and yet do well (as that was my concern about them). I don't think there's a limit to the moisture they can take, as I see them grown as pond-side marginals in the public gardens in Vancouver... along with Gunnera manicata and the smaller species...sigh, wouldn't that be something?

abgardeneer, here's a list of the rodgersias I have or are on order:

aesculifolia
pinnata ÂChocolate Wings ... on order
pinnata ÂFireworks ... on order
pinnata ... a selection with red leaf margins, nice!
podophylla ÂBraunlaubÂ
podophylla ÂPagodaÂ

Yes, they can get by with shade, though I'm not sure just how much? Also they do really appreciate moisture retentive soils high in organic matter.

Nice list! As to how much moisture they can take, I see some conflicting info on the 'net. For example, the Cornell site has an article in which the author states that she has never seen them do well in wetter sites... but the same site has another page that recommends them as pond-site plantings. Well, not sure what to make of that, but I'd guess that light levels might well be a determining factor. Shade and boggy conditions may not be ideal, but in full sun, perhaps wet conditions are fine. Just speculation on my part...

Glen, Astilboides tabularis grew very well and very hardy for me in Saskatoon in a shady sheltered corner in compost, humus, moist soil, not boggy thou, however out here on the open acreage it died the first summer when we moved out here and when I did all my transplanting of plants that I brought over, bad time to move plants, with the high drying winds in the middle of August and at that particular time the soil was not properly amended. I am thinking of ordering another one from Dominion again since my soil on the north side is now in perfect condition and hopefully we will never have to face another drought like it was back then.

I do have a Rodgersia but I donÂt know the species name, IÂve had it for years now, but dang, it has never bloomed? Most likely because of the late spring frosts? I have this located in part sun with a west morning sun.

Petasites japonicus var giganteus is bullet proof hardy in my zone 2b. IÂve been growing it for years and yes indeed very invasive, but be warned the slugs do love this plant!
I also have the variegated one too that is just as hardy.

Sharon
aka Crazy_Gardener

Thanks everyone for your reply. I knew this would be the place to ask.

Interesting that this plant seems to do okay in full sun as most websites I visited say part sun to shade. Then again, in the north we often can grow shade loving plants in sun. TerryÂs comment about the plant "sulking" if too dry does mirror what I read on the internet: too dry might not kill the plant, but will reduce its vigor. On the opposite end of the spectrum, in one article it was mentioned that the person had a few of these plants and the ones in bog-like conditions died out after a few years. Maybe it just doesnÂt like winter wet conditions as some plants donÂt.

Anyways, you have all helped me realize that this is a possibility. I would have to amend the soil, perhaps add some nice compost, and water during dry spells, but it might be an interesting look for a very sheltered corner.

Interesting that Petasites Japonicus is hardy as well. That might make it more difficult for me to decide which one to go with. In general would you say that both plants (Astilboides Tabularis and Petasites Japonicus) are just as slow growing?

Regards,
Glen

Petasites japonicus is no way slow growing, in 3 years time it will take over a whole bed, make sure you plant it where it will be permantely. Last spring, I had to RoundUp some of it, be warned Glen, its really really invasive ;)

Sharon