A hybrid selected from a cross of Rodgersia podophylla and Rodgersia aesculifolia, Rodgersia 'Spitzentaenzerin' is a dramatic plant that plays a captivating game of contrasting shapes—on one side featuring remarkably lush, robust foliage, and on the other, delicate, floating flowers.
'Spitzentaenzerin' foliage is dense, with deeply veined, large, hand-shaped leaves that mature into a deep, glossy forest green. On the other hand, what sets this selection apart from other commonly available varieties is the delicacy and airy grace of its blossoms. The German name Spitzentaenzerin evokes a ballerina dancing on her toes (en pointe). This perfectly matches the plant's habit: it sends up tall, straight, and branching panicles of soft creamy-white star-shaped flowers that rise high above the lush foliage, appearing to float and dance weightlessly on tiptoe.
It looks good when given its own space to spread, making it a structural focal piece, or densely packed as an impressive backdrop along woodland edges. It is a robust perennial that will have no problem thriving in Finland, provided it is grown in a position that mimics its native forest floor.
