Filipendula Meadowsweet
Queen of the Meadows
Filipendula genus is best known for Meadowsweet and Dropwort, both native to Europe. Felipendula rubra is native to North America. They are widely known as the "queens" of their native domains. They produce lovely floral sprays of small five petal flowers of pink or creamy white. Although generally considered flowers of the prairies, the North American species is generally a woodland flower, enjoying wetter conditions. Sometimes referred to as False Spirea, it is more distantly related to Spirea than once thought.
Felepindula grows upright with a nice clump form, with flower plumes held high above the foliage. All the species prefer a cool region, their preference for soil moisture and sun varies. There are several species as well as many cultivars of Meadowsweet, and all grow quite large will spread fairly aggressively.. Use caution if you choose one for your gardens. They are best in very large or naturalized gardens.
Filipendula rubra
Common Name: Queen of the Prairie
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 3-4 feet
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun to part sun, will tolerate part shade
Water Requirements: Prefers medium to wet conditions
Soil Requirements: Tolerates clay soil but prefers rich organic well drained soil
Growth Habit: Very tall upright and clump forming
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Form: Large upright panicles of tiny blooms
Foliage: Fine fernlike foliage, deeply cut bright green
Fragrance: Flowers and foliage are both fragrant
Pest and Disease Resistance: Deer resistant. Occasionally bothered b powdery mildew or rust.
Fertilize: Fertilize in late spring before flowering begins.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance
Other: Attracts butterflies and moths but provides no nectar. Can spread aggressively
Hardiness: Zones 3 -8
The Queen of the Prairie is a native to the swampy meadows of the U.S. Growing in the wild Filipendula rubra can grow as tall as 8 feet under ideal conditions. Large 5 inch flower heads are held high above the foliage on bare stems. Each tiny bloom is made of of 5 petals with long white stamens holding pink anthers. Tiny dark pink fruits form after blooming. Filipendula rubra is very easy to grow and requires virtually no maintenance. Deadheading is unnecessary. Cut back severely if foliage becomes ragged after blooming to promote new foliage growth.
Meadowsweet is a spectacular large plant perfect for any large garden. It is especially charming in cottage garden borders as well as native plant gardens. The bloom period is somewhat short but the ferny foliage is attractive when out of bloom. This native can form a healthy colony in moist soils with its’ underground rhizomes, so make sure you have the room for it to spread. This Queen of the Prairie prefers cool climates and adores the Great Lakes regions.
Filipendula ulmaria
Common Name: Queen of the Meadow
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 1-3 feet
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun to part sun, will tolerate part shade
Water Requirements: Prefers medium to wet conditions but will tolerate drought
Soil Requirements: Tolerates clay soil but prefers rich organic well drained soil
Growth Habit: Very tall upright and clump forming
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: Creamy white
Bloom Form: Large upright panicles of tiny blooms
Foliage: Fine fernlike foliage, deeply cut bright green
Fragrance: Flowers and foliage are both fragrant
Pest and Disease Resistance: Deer resistant. Occasionally bothered by powdery mildew or rust.
Fertilize: Fertilize in late spring before flowering begins.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance
Other: Attracts butterflies and moths but provides no nectar. Can spread aggressively
Hardiness: Zones 3 -8
Queen of the Meadow is native through Europe and Asia. Commonly grown in North American gardens, it has also naturalized in Eastern North America. Characteristics are very similar to Filipendula rubra but the plant grows slightly smaller with creamy white flower plumes. Filipendula ulmaria is very easy to grow and requires virtually no maintenance. Deadheading is unnecessary. Cut back severely if foliage becomes ragged after blooming to promote new foliage growth.
Meadowsweet is a spectacular large plant perfect for any large garden. It is especially charming in cottage garden borders as well as native plant gardens. The bloom period is somewhat short but the ferny foliage is attractive when out of bloom. This native can form a healthy colony in moist soils with its’ underground rhizomes, so make sure you have the room for it to spread. This Queen of the Meadow prefers cool climates and adores the Great Lakes regions.