Overview
Filipendula purpurea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Filipendula, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Filipendula purpurea grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to Japan.
About
Filipendula purpurea is a herbaceous perennial reaching heights of up to 80 cm. It features prominent, palmately divided leaves and produces clusters of small, deep purplish-pink flowers that form airy sprays.
About the genus
Filipendula consists of herbaceous perennials that spread through rhizomes. They feature pinnately divided leaves and produce abundant clusters of small flowers, which can be rosy-pink or white, situated on leafy stems that rise prominently above the foliage.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Filipendula
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Filipendula purpurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Filipendula purpurea
- Cultivation
- Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; will tolerate full shade
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring, or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fungal leaf spots and powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Filipendula purpurea?
Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; will tolerate full shade.
Where is the best place to plant Filipendula purpurea?
Filipendula purpurea prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Filipendula purpurea need?
Filipendula purpurea 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.
How do I prune Filipendula purpurea?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Filipendula purpurea grow?
Filipendula purpurea reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Filipendula purpurea hardy in the UK?
Filipendula purpurea has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Filipendula purpurea?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring, or by division in spring.