Also known as Meadowsweet · 216 gardener saves
Filipendula: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Filipendula, the genus most gardeners know as meadowsweet. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Filipendula varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedQueen of the Prairie
Filipendula rubra
#2 most savedQueen of the Prairie
Filipendula rubra 'Venusta'
#3 most savedMeadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
Double Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria 'Flore Plena'
Korean Meadowsweet
Filipendula glaberrima
Variegated Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata'
Meadowsweet Aurea
Filipendula ulmaria 'Aurea'
How to grow Filipendula
What the Filipendula varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Filipendula year
- DivideMarch and September86% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor
- PruneSeptember and October57% of varieties
Cut stems back to the ground in fall after foliage dies back.
- Check for PestsJune–August57% of varieties
Monitor for powdery mildew in humid weather; ensure good air circulation.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March43% of varieties
Cut back old stems and dead foliage to the ground before new growth emerges
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Fertilize in spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid dry or overly sunny spots ❌
- Do not let soil dry out
- Avoid heavy, compacted soils
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Filipendula
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curling leaves and sticky residue | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves and slime trails | Handpick slugs at night or set slug traps |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Filipendula
Division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Use sharp knife to separate roots into sections
- Plant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, approximately 2-3 weeks
Filipendula questions
How many types of Filipendula are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Filipendula varieties. The most popular — ranked by 216 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Filipendula grow in?
Across its varieties, Filipendula covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Filipendula bloom?
Most Filipendula varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, early to mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Filipendula should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Filipendula shows up in
Design with Filipendula in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
