Filipendula ulmaria, also known as meadowsweet and queen-of-the-meadow, is native to parts of Europe and Asia and has naturalized in eastern North America. It spreads readily by seed in moist areas.
The variety ‘Flore Pleno’ has larger flowers and is sterile (ie does not make seeds), making it a better selection for your garden than the species.
This is an attractive tall perennial with stiff stems that hold the flowers well. It’s unusual dark green, compound, pinnate foliage contrasts well with other more common foliage types in the garden. Flowers are a clear white and become a show stopper for several weeks in mid-summer.
Filipendula ulmaria ‘Flore Pleno’ prefers a moist to wet area, but grows well even dry. Mine grow under sugar maples at the edge of the drip line and are rarely watered. A wetter location will add some height to the plant and encourage it to spread faster.
Filipendula ulmaria
(fil-ih-PEN-dyoo-luh ul-MAR-ee-uh)
Life Cycle: perennial
Height: 1.3M (4ft)
Bloom Time: mid to late summer
Natural Range: Europe and Asia
Habitat: moist, boggy areas in both sun and part shade
Synonyms: none
Cultivation of Filipendula ulmaria:
Light: full sun to part shade
Soil: neutral to alkaline
Water: average moisture to dry
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3– 7(9?)
Propagation: seed (only for species), division in spring
