Overview
Filipendula is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Filipendula, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Filipendula grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Filipendula is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial in the rose family that carries its flowers in summer (June to August). It tolerates a range of soils from clay to loam and copes with both moist and more poorly drained conditions. Plants suit positions in full sun or partial shade and perform in east-, south- or west-facing sites. The genus is winter-hardy in UK gardens rated H6 (very hardy).
About the genus
Filipendula is a genus of 12 species of perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Well-known species include meadowsweet and dropwort, both native to Europe, and queen-of-the-forest and queen-of-the-prairie, native to North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Filipendula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Filipendula
In the garden
Filipendula is a clump-forming perennial in the Rosaceae, native to temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants are deciduous and produce their summer display from June to August, after which the clumps die back for winter. The genus includes a number of species used in traditional meadows and informal planting. Give Filipendula a sunny or part-shaded spot on clay or loam; it tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and accepts both moist, well-drained ground and heavier, poorly drained soils. East-, south- and west-facing aspects are all suitable and individual plants will handle exposed or more sheltered sites. In UK terms the group is rated H6, so it is very hardy once established. Use clumps in cottage or informal borders, planted in drifts at the edge of a wildflower meadow, or within a wildlife garden where summer flowering is required. Flowering in June to August provides midsummer structure and supports seasonal interest across a range of soil conditions.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Filipendula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Filipendula size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Filipendula
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn, Root cuttings in late winter or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and a fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Filipendula?
Filipendula prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Filipendula need?
Filipendula grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Filipendula hardy in the UK?
Filipendula has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Filipendula?
Division in spring or autumn, Root cuttings in late winter or early spring.
