Astilboides tabularis

Astilboides tabularis: Giant Round Leaves for Wet Shade

This plant grows leaves so big you could serve dinner on them. Huge, round and light green, held up from the centre like a stack of patio umbrellas. Your hostas suddenly feel very small. SIZE MATTERS IN THE SHADE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilboides tabularis (formerly Rodgersia tabularis)
• Common Name: Shieldleaf Rodgersia
• Height: 90–125 cm (3–4 ft) in flower
• Spread: 75–100 cm (2.5–3.5 ft)
• Flowers: Small, creamy white flowers in plumes held above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Huge, round, light green leaves with the stalk attached at the centre
• Features: Bold architectural foliage, thrives in wet soil, good for cutting

Where to Plant: This is a specimen plant for the edge of a pond or stream, a low spot that stays damp, or a shady woodland bed with rich soil. One plant makes a statement, and three make a small jungle. It's happy in heavy clay, as long as the clay stays moist.

Companion Plants: Astilbe 'Heart and Soul' brings fine, feathery pink plumes from July to September, a soft contrast to those huge round leaves. Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' makes a low carpet at the front with pink flowers in May and June. Mertensia virginica opens blue bells in April and May, before the big leaves fill in. Moist shade suits all three, so they settle in together with ease.

Plant Care: Plant it in deep, rich, humus-rich soil that stays moist all season. Never let it dry out. Shelter it from strong wind, which tears the big leaves. Part shade is ideal. It takes more sun only where the soil is constantly wet. Mulch generously and water well in dry spells. Slugs may chew the leaves, so keep an eye out in damp springs. It's slow to settle and may take two or three years to flower well. Cut the leaves down after frost or in early spring. It rarely needs dividing, but you can split it in early spring if you want more plants.

History: Astilboides tabularis is native to moist woodlands and stream banks in northern China and North Korea, and it was once grouped with Rodgersia, which is why it still carries the common name shieldleaf rodgersia. It's now the only species in its genus, and tabularis refers to its flat, table-like leaves.

Final Thoughts: Give it wet soil and room to show off. The neighbours will ask if it's real. TELL THEM IT'S BEEN WORKING OUT.