When I first grew Astilboides tabularis, a shade perennial of the boldest stature, it was called Rodgersia and unavailable in nurseries, a treasure I found at a botanical garden plant sale 15 or so years back. Now it’s had a name change and come into somewhat-vogue, but its 2- to 3-foot-wide leaves of a vivid light green always draw attention of garden visitors here. “How do you grow it so well?” they always ask, and I say, “I just planted it.” Apparently the spots I’ve chosen, in filtered light where the soil doesn’t ever get too terribly dry, just suit this creature, which forms a stand of these giant umbrella-like leaves that I enjoy as much as they go gold and brown this time of year as when they first unfurl. Savor these moments, not just the obvious, yes?
