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Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Boggy / Clay / Heavy / Moist

Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria, has a very long history of herbal use, and it was one of the three most sacred herbs of the ancient Druids. The leaves and flowering stems have traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic astringent, diuretic, stomachic and tonic. It's an attractive plant, ideal for growing in damp soil and boggy areas, such as the edge of a pond. It's mostly grown for its foliage, which emerges a fresh golden-green, fading to gold in summer, especially when grown in strong sun.

If allowed to flower, Filipendula ulmaria blooms have a strong, sweet scent, but the plant puts much of its energy into developing the flower spikes. However, by removing the flower spikes as soon as they become visible, plants remain vegetative and develop larger, more pronounced foliage. Not only does this look better, it also prevents plants self seeding, which may be a nuisance.

Grow Filipendula ulmaria in boggy soil in full sun to partial shade. Remove flowers to prevent self-seeding if necessary.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes
Collect seedsyesyes

Filipendula and wildlife

Filipendula is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Filipendula poisonous?

Filipendula has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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