Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') (Queen-of-the-prairie) — Perennial

Overview

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

About

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') is a tall perennial notable for its height and mildly fragrant summer bloom. It typically reaches about 2.5 m and flowers from June to August. Plant in moist or wet ground in full sun or partial shade where its size can be accommodated. It is fully hardy in UK gardens.

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 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') is a perennial in the Filipendula group originating from northeastern and central North America and southeastern Canada. It grows to roughly 2.5 m and carries a mild fragrance through its summer flowering period from June to August. The combination of height and scent makes it a distinctive component in larger perennial schemes. Select a site with full sun or partial shade and reliably moist soil; it performs in sandy, loamy or clay ground provided conditions remain moist to wet or at least moist but well‑drained. The plant is rated H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is fully hardy across the UK; it is also suitable for USDA zones 3–9. Give it room for upright stems and avoid planting where it would be cramped by lower neighbours. Use it at the back of a border, in a cottage-style bed or in naturalistic plantings and damp margins where its height can form a tall backdrop. Allow a planting gap that reflects its eventual 2.5 m stature so lower perennials are not shaded during its June to August display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Filipendula

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

Plant details

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica')

Cultivation: Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from mulching
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
Propagation: Division, Seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica')?

Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from mulching.

Where is the best place to plant Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica')?

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.

What soil does Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') need?

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') 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.

How do I prune Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica')?

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.

How big does Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') grow?

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') reaches a height of 2.5 m.

Is Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') hardy in the UK?

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica') has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' ('Magnifica')?

Division, Seed.

More in the Filipendula genus

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