Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' (Variegated Meadowsweet) — Perennial herbaceous

Overview

Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Filipendula, part of the Q46299 family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall and 0.6 m wide. Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, moist garden areas and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.

About

Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' is a perennial herbaceous meadowsweet noted for its variegated foliage and scented summer flowerheads. It grows to about 1.2 m tall with a spread near 0.6 m and carries creamy-white panicles from June to August. Plant it in full sun or partial shade where the soil stays moist or wet yet drains. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it suits damp borders and naturalistic beds.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Filipendula ulmaria

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 variegated form of meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' originates from the temperate regions of Europe and western Asia and behaves as a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial. The cultivar is selected for its pale-margined leaves and sweetly aromatic flowerheads, which appear as creamy-white panicles in summer, providing scent from June to August. Choose a site in full sun or partial shade with soil that remains moist to wet; the plant tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they do not dry out. Allow room for its 1.2 m height and roughly 0.6 m spread when siting it in a border or naturalistic planting. In UK terms H7 means it will survive winter outdoors without protection. Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' works well on the back of a mixed border, along a stream edge or in any part of the garden where seasonal dampness is an asset rather than a liability. The variegated leaves lift darker planting and the fragrant summer panicles make it useful where a scented, textural summer filler is required.

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 ulmaria 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial herbaceous
Height: 1.2 m
Spread: 0.6 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Moist garden areas, Naturalistic plantings
Native to: Europe, Western Asia
Fragrance: Sweet, aromatic flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from partial shade in hotter climates
Pruning: Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation less common

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from partial shade in hotter climates.

Where is the best place to plant Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata'?

Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.

What soil does Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' need?

Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' 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.