Rodgersia podophylla 'Rotlaub' is an excellent selection. This form keeps the bronze/purple leaf coloration much better than the straight species. The main grouping of plants was divided and replanted in the spring of 2001. By this spring it became apparent that the clumps had tripled in size, a very pleasant surprise. With moisture, partial shade and a rich soil, this plant can be quite dramatic in the landscape. Here at the gardens, where our soil is light and free draining, it does very well. The flowers are not as important as the foliage on this species, unlike many of its siblings. The first hard frost knocks this plant to the ground until the following spring.