Overview
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Filipendula, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5, H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds.
About
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the rose family with prominent summer flowerheads. It carries deciduous foliage and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Flowering occurs June to August. The plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered situations and is winter-hardy across much of the UK (H5–H6).
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 purpurea 'Elegans' belongs to the genus Filipendula in the Rosaceae and is grown for its summer flowerheads, which appear from June to August. It forms a distinct clump of stems each season and dies back to ground level after the foliage is lost in winter. Select a site in full sun or partial shade; the cultivar performs well on clay or loam soils and accepts a wide pH range (acid to alkaline). It will tolerate moist ground and can cope with poorly drained patches where some other perennials struggle. Plant where it has room to form a clump and where stems can be seen — it takes both exposed and sheltered positions. Hardiness ratings H5–H6 mean the plant is hardy to very hardy in UK terms, suitable for most garden locations. Use Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' in cottage and informal borders, wildflower meadow mixes, or perennial beds where a midsummer flowering phase is required. Its consistent June–August flowering gives reliable midsummer presence in borders and meadow schemes.
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
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5, H6
Plant details
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in spring, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spots
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans'?
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' need?
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' 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 purpurea 'Elegans' hardy in the UK?
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans'?
Seed sown in containers in spring, Division in spring or autumn.
