Filipendula

( fil - ih - PEN - dew - luh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Meadowsweet, this genus of perennials includes species which grow best in full sun in cooler climates (partial shade otherwise) and need regular to ample amounts of water to perform well in the garden. They are lush-looking plants, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers. These plants enter dormancy in wintertime, but each spring provide quite a show. Meadowsweet are good for borders and can do well next to lakes and ponds. They are also pollinator favorites with their large heads of blooms. Use these flowers in mixed beds and borders, in meadow gardens, or as colorful additions to cottage gardens,

filipendula Species and Varietals

The genus Filipendula includes 12 species and is a member of the plant family Rosaceae. The best growing zones for Filipendula vary depending on the species. For more growing information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Filipendula glaberrima (Filipendula yezoensis) (Korean Meadowsweet, Nakai Korean Meadowsweet, Japanese Meadowsweet)
This species is native to Korea, and is commonly used as a garden ornamental. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b. Flowers are whitish-pink and bloom in large inflorescences. This is a more rare species in the genus, and is a great garden ornamental, forming 3-foot tall flowering stalks. Prefers moist soils, but is tolerant of drought conditions. These plants can be aggressive in optimal conditions, and are considered potentially invasive in some regions of Australia.

Filipendula multijuga (Filipendula multijuga var. ciliata) (Japanese Meadowsweet, Shimotsukesou)
This species is native to Japan, and produces pink flowers. Plants can reach up to 4 feet tall, and flowers from July through August. Flowers are pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles, and plants are self-fertile. They grow well in a wide variety of soils and can grow in light shade or full sun. This species prefers moist or wet soil and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4a-8b.

Filipendula palmata (Siberian Meadowsweet)
This species of Meadowsweet is native to China, and produces light pink to white flowers. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Individual plants reach between 3 and 4 feet tall when mature and in bloom. Varietal 'Red Umbrellas' produces foliage that is reddish-purple along leaf veins, and 'Nana' is a compact variety that reaches just 2 feet tall. Other cultivars include 'Variegata' (with green foliage edged in white) and 'Elegans' (with dark red stems and cream-white flowers with red stamens). This species is considered invasive in certain areas of North America around ditches, roadsides, marshes, and bogs.

Filipendula purpurea (Japanese Meadowsweet, Purple Japanese Meadowsweet, Lace Plant)
This species of Meadowsweet grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 3b-9 and 14-17. It produces red flower clusters atop 3-4 foot tall flower stems. Foliage clump is about 2 feet wide.

Filipendula rubra (Queen of the Prairie, Prairie Meadowsweet, Martha Washington's Plume)
This plant can reach 8 feet tall when in bloom. Flowers are pink and they grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-9 and 14-17. Variety 'Venusta' has purple-pink flowers and reaches 4-6 feet tall. These plants are considered threatened in their native range, but are grown widely grown as ornamentals elsewhere. They can be considered somewhat invasive in the Northeastern United States and Canada, particularly in moist areas.

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet, Mead Wort, Pride of the Meadow, Dollof, Bridewort)
These plants are native to most of Europe and western Asia, and has also naturalized in many parts of North America. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Stems reach between 3 and 7 feet tall when in bloom, and leaves are dark green above, whitish and downy underneath. Flowers are creamy white, and have a very strong, sweet antiseptic smell. The specific epithet ulmaria means 'elmlike', referring to the foliage being similar to that of Ulmus species.. This species is considered invasive in Wisconsin (United States).

Filipendula vulgaris (Filipendula hexapetela) (Dropwort, Fern-Leaf Dropwort, Dropwort Meadowsweet)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-9 and 14-17. White flowers sometimes fringed in pink form in plumes on 2 foot tall stems. Foliage mound is about 1.5 feet wide and has fern-like leaves, which smell like wintergreen when crushed. This species needs less water than others and also prefers to be in full sun. Variety 'Multiplex' ('Flore Pleno') has more voluptuous flower clusters. This species is considered invasive in eastern North America.

Caring for Filipendula

Filipendula should be grown in full sun to partial shade. They will flower more the more sun they get; between 6 and 8 hours is ideal. In warmer climates, make sure these plants get some late afternoon shade when temperatures are the warmest (typically between 2 and 3 PM). These plants prefer to be installed in soil that is well-draining (though they can take some water around their roots), fertile, and that has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. These plants are commonly found growing in wetland or meadow landscapes, where soils can be saturated for periods of time, so they can take some wetness. After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch around the area to suppress weed growth, maintain soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. New plants should be irrigated regularly as they establish strong root systems. At maturity, these plants also prefer to have consistently moist soil that does not dry out. They are not drought tolerant, but will be able to take less water if planted in a shaded location.

Each year in springtime, apply a 2-inch layer of organic compost around the planting area to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient load. This feeding should be sufficient to carry these plants through their blooming and active growing seasons, especially if soils are already moderately fertile. If local soils are poor, a second compost feeding can be carried out in summertime. Although faded flower heads can be decorative, they can also be trimmed off plants if desired when flowers fade. Deadheading will discourage re-seeding. After flowering has faded in summer to fall, foliage can sometimes look a bit tattered. Plants can be cut back to their base at this time. Filipendula plants rarely need dividing, and are best when they are left undisturbed. However, if they are starting to outgrow their space, or if flowering or foliage is not developing well, plants may benefit from being divided and replanted. For information on how to divide Filipendula plants, see the Propagation section below. Filipendula plants can survive for between 3 and 5 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced. They will form colonies over time, however, providing new plants indefinitely.

Propagation

Filipendula can be propagated either by division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Queen of the Prairie, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Filipendula by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on these plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Filipendula by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in fall, and is also done whenever necessary to maintain the health of plants. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Filipendula flowers fade to reveal seed heads, which can be cut off of the plant or left to allow seeds to develop.

Filipendula seeds are typically elongated and tannish-brown in color.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Filipendula plants can have issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: