Perennial Plant of the Week; Astilboides tabularis. Giant leaves for a moist, shady spot

Look at the size of those leaves. Astilboids tabularis will get three feet tall and wide, loves moist shady conditions and even sends up white blooms. It's hardy down to zone 4, Western Pennsylvania is Zone 5/6. The plant is perennial, returning every year and can be split in the spring once established.

This is one of those plants I've seen in the White Flower Farm catalog for years and have never ordered it, but this year I'm getting three.

The only thing that concerns me is keeping the soil moist. Most of my garden is woodland and it dries out in July. I'll have to find the perfect spot for the plant.

This is from the White Flower Farm catalog- "This newly designated genus contains a single species, A. tabularis (formerly known as Rodgersia tabularis), which is native to northern China. It is a curious thing with huge, bright green leaves that are round and flat and measure (on a mature plant) in excess of 24in across. The effect in the garden is dramatic, for there simply is no bolder foliage to be found among hardy perennials. Astilboides does flower, sending up creamy white, Astilbe-like plumes in July, but the leaves always steal the show. Grow with Ferns, Hostas, Astilbes, and other plants that share its preference for partial shade and evenly moist soil. Allow plenty of room for growth when planting, because a single specimen may reach 3ft tall and 3-4ft wide. This is not a plant for the Deep South or the desert Southwest."

I've got some spots with hosta and ferns so that might be where they go.

Poking around on the Internet I've learned it's going to need water or won't be happy. Maybe it's time to install some drip irrigation as three plants will cost just under $50. It's important to have fertile soil amended with lots of organic matter like compost.

I'm excited to finally try this shade lover and will report back this summer on how it does.