Overview
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Filipendula, part of the Rosaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall and 0.6 m wide. Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, damp meadows and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.
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
A native of Europe and western Asia, Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' belongs to the genus Filipendula and is grown for its scented summer blooms. It is a herbaceous perennial that favours damp conditions and appears reliably in season alongside other meadow and marginal species. Site it in full sun; the cultivar performs best where soils remain moist or wet and will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay textures. It is classed H7 for UK hardiness (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9, so it survives severe winter conditions without winter protection in most of the UK. Expect plants to reach about 1.2 m in height with a 0.6 m spread, making it straightforward to place among mid-border perennials or in more open meadow-style drifts. Use Meadowsweet 'Flore Pleno' in damp meadows, naturalistic plantings and mixed borders where summer scent and presence are desired. Its almond-like fragrance is most noticeable during the flowering season, which runs from June to August, so position it where the scent can be enjoyed from paths or seating areas.
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
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Spread
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Damp meadows, Naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Fragrance
- Sweet, almond-like fragrance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno'?
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' need?
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' 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 ulmaria 'Flore Pleno'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' grow?
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' reaches a height of 1.2 m and a spread of 0.6 m.
Is Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' hardy in the UK?
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Pleno' 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 ulmaria 'Flore Pleno'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Filipendula genus
- FilipendulaMeadowsweet
- Filipendula glaberrimaKorean Meadowsweet

- Filipendula hexapetalaDropwort

- Filipendula palmatapalmate meadowsweet
- Filipendula palmata 'Elegantissima'
- Filipendula palmata 'Rosea'Siberian meadowsweet 'Rosea'
- Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans'
- Filipendula rubraqueen of the prairie