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 H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Filipendula purpurea, commonly known as purple meadowsweet, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and adapts well to different soil types including clay and loam, with moisture levels ranging from moist but well-drained to poorly-drained. It is low maintenance and provides interest during spring and summer.
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
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
- H6
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, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Filipendula purpurea
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Fungal leaf spots, Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
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 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 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 purpurea?
Division in spring.
More in the Filipendula genus
Browse all Filipendula →
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