meadowsweet
Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans'
Overview
Meadowsweet (Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans') is an eye-catching plant species with its striking pink blooms. Growing in neat clumps, this drought-tolerant perennial creates a cascade of delicate flowers from summer to fall. Its sweet fragrance gives off an pleasing aroma and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Further, because it prefers slightly moist soil, it can make an excellent addition to a rain garden. Not only is it beautiful, but also it provides essential medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and calming effects. All in all, this lovely plant species is definitely a must-have for gardeners!
Care Guide
Watering
Meadowsweet (Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans') should be watered once a week, using enough water to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water early in the day so that the leaves will have enough time to dry out before nighttime. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings to prevent root rot. In hot, dry conditions, this plant should be watered more frequently, making sure to provide at least 1-2 inches of water each time.
Light
Meadowsweet (Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans') grows best in full sun, although it can tolerate part shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. This plant can also benefit from more exposure to sun. During the hottest time of the day, the sun should be filtered through a greenhouse or a light mesh cloth to reduce the risk of sunburn. Meadowsweet grows best in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 - 21 degrees Celsius).
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–8.
Pruning
Meadowsweet (Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans') should be pruned twice per season. Pruning the plant in early spring before new growth begins will help remove dead or damaged branches, and promote bushier branching and a fuller plant. Pruning in late fall will help keep the plant's size in check and remove any dead growth from the season's growth. Always use pruning shears that are sharp to avoid any damage to the stems. Prune each stem to just above a node, and then angle the pruning cut away from the node at the 45 degree angle. Take care not to prune more than a third of the total plant in any 1 season.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Seed Propagation, Grafting Propagation
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