Though sold to us as 'Superba' we believe our plant to be a seedling from 'Superba'. It's wonderful with any name.
Rodgersia pinnata 'Superba' – This fine perennial, one of our favorite species in Saxifrageae, was sold many years ago to us as 'Superba'. We're not entirely certain as many under this moniker have been sold as 'Superba' but are actually seedlings born of the actual plant. These do, however, bud up in a decidedly pink shade - deeper in a cooler spring, a lighter tint in warmer temps. Regardless, this is a big, bold perennial, a most worthy garden denizen, one that we would not be without. This magnificent member of Saxifrageae has spring bronze-tinted new leaves. They stretch and develop 5 to 9 serrated, pleated leaflets arranged in a pseudo-pinnate pattern on each stem. They are leathery and bold. Plumes of flowers that resemble a coarse astilbe, pink in bud opening with a subtle pink blush which quickly fades white. When I say "subtle" one might consider it aspirational... perhaps hallucinatory... but again this is very much dependent upon the course of spring temperatures before and at flowering time (June-July in northeastern Connecticut). Flower stalks gradually age and turn brown but are persistent and not unattractive; these may be cut back or let be until fall cleanup depending upon, of course, your aesthetic. Rodgersia pinnata is another bold, showy specimen perennial that may be used at the woodland edge, naturalized near water or as a large, elegant ground covering statement among tap-rooted trees that cast dappled shade. The latter makes for an ambiance not unlike an old estate and is park-like. The species is from China. Established pot grown Rodgersia from division.