Overview

Ulmaria is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Ulmaria, part of the Q46299 family. Ulmaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and damp meadows. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.

About

Ulmaria is a perennial herbaceous plant prized for its sweet, almond-like fragrance. It prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Native to Europe and Western Asia, it suits damp meadows and wildflower areas. The species is commonly known as meadowsweet or mead wort.

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.

In the garden

Ulmaria is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Western Asia, noted for its distinctive sweet, almond-like scent. It is suited to damp habitats and features in traditional meadow and wet-border planting schemes where moisture-retentive soils are available. Plant it in moist, fertile, well-drained soil and choose a position with full sun or partial shade; the species tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. It will cope in both sheltered and exposed situations and is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy across UK gardens and will survive winter conditions without special protection. Use meadowsweet towards the rear of perennial borders, in damp meadow restorations or within wildflower areas where soil moisture is consistent. Grouping plants in moist hollows or along water margins concentrates their scent for paths and seating areas. Regularly leave stands undisturbed through the dormant season so they establish strong crowns and maintain their place in the planting scheme.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ulmaria

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

moist, fertile, well-drained

Soil pH

acidic, neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist

Exposure

sheltered, exposed

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Ulmaria size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herbaceous plant

Suggested uses

borders, wildflower gardens, damp meadows

Native to

Europe, Western Asia

Fragrance

sweet, almond-like

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ulmaria

Cultivation

Prefers damp, fertile soils; can tolerate partial shade; avoid dry conditions

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions