Overview
Filipendula vulgaris is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Filipendula, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Filipendula vulgaris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.
About
Filipendula vulgaris, commonly known as dropwort or fern-leaf dropwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Rosaceae, closely related to meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). It is found in Europe, western Siberia, Asia Minor, the Caucusus and North Africa. It prefers dry pastures, mostly on lime rich soils. The leaves and roots are a source of methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). It is native to North America, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and clay and loam soil. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Filipendula vulgaris
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Filipendula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Filipendula vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Filipendula vulgaris
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Fungal leaf spots, Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Filipendula vulgaris?
Filipendula vulgaris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Filipendula vulgaris need?
Filipendula vulgaris grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Filipendula vulgaris grow?
Filipendula vulgaris reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Filipendula vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Filipendula vulgaris has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Filipendula vulgaris?
Division in spring.
More in the Filipendula genus
Browse all Filipendula →
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