Filipendula ulmaria 'Aurea'

RHS Plant Profile
meadowsweet 'Aurea'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, decidous perennial to 1m in height, with pinnate leaves that start out a warm yellow in spring, maturing to creamy yellow in late spring and pale green as the season progresses. Although often grown more for the foliage, it bears fragrant cream flowers in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moisture-retentive soil or in part shade to prevent scorch

Propagation

Propagate by division. Will seed freely but may not come true to type

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

It's recommended to cut away the flowers as they form, to maximise the foliage effect. Cut back old growth at the end of the growing season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry soil or fungal leaf spot