Filipendula ulmaria
meadowsweet
A vigorous clump-forming perennial to 90cm tall, with pinnately divided leaves, the leaflets strongly toothed and often whitish beneath, and with fragrant creamy-white flowers in dense irregular terminal clusters on erect leafy stems in summer
Other common names
courtship and matrimonyhoney-sweet
see morelady of the meadow
maid of the meadow
meadow queen
meadow wort
queen of the meadows
bittersweet
bridewort
kiss-me-quick
sweet bay
Synonyms
Spiraea ulmaria
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Filipendula are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with pinnately divided leaves and large sprays of small rosy-pink or white flowers borne on leafy stems well above the foliage
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.