White Flower Farm
Rodgersia pinnata 'Chocolate Wing'
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, dramatic foliage.
Rodgersia pinnata 'Chocolate Wing', also known as Rodger's Flower, is a striking perennial celebrated for its dynamic foliage that transforms from chocolate to green and bronze hues throughout the season. In early summer, it presents elegant plumes of starry flowers, shifting from blush to deep burgundy. This plant thrives in shady, damp conditions, making it a great companion for Astilbes. It's a slow grower, reaching its full potential in 3–5 years, and offers the added benefit of being deer resistant.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1693
/ 3084
#1693 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Mature Height
3036
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast color for shaded landscape beds
- Designers wanting bold, tropical-inspired architectural focal points
- Landscapers managing damp, low-light woodland or waterside environments
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in dry climates without reliable irrigation systems
- Impatient growers looking for immediate, full-sized garden impact
- Hobbyists unwilling to manage common garden pests like slugs
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Dynamic color shifts provide visual interest long after blooms have faded.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light environments where many flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer, saving gardeners from constant protective maintenance.
Establishment Speed
Requires significant patience to reach full maturity and structural presence.
Moisture Tolerance
Perfect for damp garden spots that typically remain too wet for others.
Seasonal Longevity
Leathery leaves maintain a strong architectural silhouette throughout the entire season.
Key Specs
Mature Height
30-36 inches
Mature Width
2.5 feet
Spacing
30 inches
Ships as
BAREROOT
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Exposure
Part Shade
Blooms In
June-July
Plant Type
Flower
Features
- Dramatic foliage color changes seasonally
- Showy, star-shaped flower plumes
- Tolerates shade and damp soil
- Deer resistant
- Slow growth rate
- Large, leathery leaves
- Excellent companion plant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the striking design of 'Chocolate Wing', noting the rich, deep foliage color truly elevates garden spaces. The primary theme is quality, with buyers frequently commenting on the excellent health and robust size of the plants received from White Flower Farm. While this is a premium purchase, the unique aesthetic appeal and the reliable vigor of the specimens justify the investment, making it a highly valued addition for shade gardens.
Know before you buy
This plant performs best in part shade. While it appreciates protection from the harsh afternoon sun, it still requires some light to develop its signature deep foliage colors.
Yes, Rodgersia pinnata 'Chocolate Wing' thrives in damp conditions. It is an excellent choice for areas with consistently moist, well-drained soil, though it should not be planted in standing water.
This is a slow-growing perennial that typically takes three to five years to reach its mature height of 30 to 36 inches. Patience is rewarded with a substantial, architectural presence in the garden.
No, the foliage is dynamic and shifts throughout the season. It emerges with rich chocolate tones in the spring, eventually transitioning to bronze and green hues as the summer progresses.
Yes, this plant is considered deer resistant. Its leathery, textured leaves are generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
Because it loves damp, shady environments, it pairs beautifully with Astilbes. The fine, feathery texture of Astilbe flowers provides a striking contrast to the large, bold, leathery leaves of the Rodgersia.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20