Filipendula rubra (queen of the prairie) — Perennial

Overview

Filipendula rubra is a perennial in the genus Filipendula, part of the Q46299 family. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Filipendula rubra grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, naturalizing and wildflower gardens. It is native to Northeastern and central United States and Southeastern Canada.

About

Filipendula rubra is a perennial that reaches about 2.5 m and produces mildly fragrant flower heads in summer. It flowers from June to August and prefers a sunny position with reliably moist soil. Plant in sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist to wet but reasonably well drained.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Filipendula rubra

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 rubra is a tall perennial native to the northeastern and central United States and southeastern Canada. It is valued for its summer flowering and mild scent, with blooms appearing from June to August. In the UK it forms a clear vertical element within planting schemes due to its 2.5 m height. Choose a full-sun site where the ground stays reliably damp; the species tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures so long as moisture is maintained. Soil should be moist to wet or moist but well drained rather than drying out between rains. The plant carries an H7 hardiness rating (fully hardy in UK conditions) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9, so it will withstand outdoor winters across the country. Position Filipendula rubra at the back of a mixed border, in naturalising swathes or in wildflower gardens where its height can provide structure above lower perennials and grasses. Its stature and summer scent make it effective as a backdrop for lower-growing meadow plants and for adding seasonal vertical interest.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Filipendula

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Wet
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Filipendula rubra size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 2.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Naturalizing, Wildflower gardens
Native to: Northeastern and central United States, Southeastern Canada
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Filipendula rubra

Cultivation: Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; avoid dry conditions
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Filipendula rubra?

Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; avoid dry conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Filipendula rubra?

Filipendula rubra prefers full sun.

What soil does Filipendula rubra need?

Filipendula rubra is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.