How to Grow and Care for Filipendula

Queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra) is a flowering perennial species that can grow to be 1.5 m tall. It spreads through rhizomes and is considered difficult to germinate. This plant thrives in full sun and moist soil.

As its common name suggests, meadowsweet is a sweet-smelling herb that often grows in meadows. It is a perennial in the rose family and is native to Europe, the British Isles, and western Asia, and has also been naturalized in parts of North America. Filipendula ulmaria has been used to create potpourris and to add flavor to beers, wines, and stews.

Dropwort is an easy-to-grow member of the rose family. Its common name refers to the tubers that hang from its roots like drops of water. It grows easily in full sun to partial shade.

Siberian meadowsweet is an herb that is popular for its fluffy, two-toned flowers that blow elegantly in the wind. For this reason, it is a popular ornamental plant, grown in beds and borders frequently. On occasion, its leaves will be covered in a vibrant orange fungus similar in color to rust.

Red meadowsweet is recognized for its elegant, tall spires of deep pink flowers that bloom in mid-summer. This perennial herb typically grows in moist, rich soils often near streams or under forest canopies. Its foliage is distinctively divided, with serrated leaflets adding to its ornamental value. The plant’s stature and vibrant floral clusters make it a striking presence in naturalistic settings.