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Filipendula rubra |
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| Common name |
queen of the prairie, meadowsweet |
| Family |
rosaceae |
| Life cycle |
perennial (Z3-8) |
| Flowers |
pink/white (early summer) |
| Size |
4-6' |
| Light |
sun-part shade |
| Cultural notes |
moist garden soil |
I'm not sure of the exact species growing in my garden - there doesn't seem to be a concensus about the naming in this genus. Whatever its official name, this is a wonderful plant, from the beautiful dark-red new foliage in early spring to the tall sprays of fluffy flowers in early summer. It appreciates consistent moisture - ordinary garden conditions are fine as long as it gets supplemental watering during dry spells. Expect some wilting after it is first planted. This one took a few years to reach its full potential in our garden.
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| | Red fruit beads in summer |
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We left this plant behind in our Pennsylvania garden (and wish it well); we don't grow it in Houston. About my plant portraits
PlantLinks to other web pages about Filipendula rubra
Some particularly helpful links to other websites
Visitors to this page have left the following comments| Debra | May 08, 2006 | I love the photo for this plant. I've been trying to find a photo that shows most of the plant instead of a close up of the bloom. I just purchased a couple of these and the image I see is what I was hoping for. Thanks! |
| Marcia | Jun 25, 2008 | I have recently planted Queen of Prairie "Rubra". It is in a pretty much full sun location. During the day it is wilting quite a bit. I have been watering at least daily, sometimes twice. I think it may be wilting just from the heat, more than lack of water. Should I move it to a more shady location?
You say you planted it recently. The roots simply haven't developed enough to keep up with the water needs of the top growth. I'd keep on watering in through hot days this summer - chances are, it will do just fine after a while. It will never be a drought-tolerant plant, but regular garden conditions should be OK (I'm assuming here that you're not in a much hotter climate than our garden). |
| Ted Cornell | Aug 04, 2008 | This plant has shown up in the swamp by my brook as a vigorous volunteer. Conditions are sunny and wet in a very hot and muggy year. This in the Adirondacks near Lake Champlain. |
| roz | May 19, 2009 | Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' - has another terrific use - the upright winter stems are easily broken into small pieces to make paths in adjoining wet areas - they can be stomped down in place as well - and are very fragrant! |
| Elle | Jun 24, 2009 | I just planted this Queen of Prairie "Rubra" against the foundation of my home, in an afternoon sun location. Since it seems to like moist soil, I gather this wouldn't be the best spot for it. What do you think? Should I move it?
It would probably be happier, and therefore perform better, if it were planted in a place that gets some protection from sun during the hottest part of the day. Ours gets sun most of the day, but by afternoon nearby trees provide dappled shade. |
| Ean | Aug 25, 2012 | Do you know if this plant is deer resistant? I've got a berm of hosta in part sun that the deer have eaten to the ground. The area gets dappled afternoon sun, otherwise it's in bright shade. Do you think this would be a good spot if I planted it at the bottom of the berm to get maximum moisture? |
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