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Dropwort

Filipendula vulgaris · Rosaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant dropwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
May to July
Adult size
16 to 31 inches tall
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -4°F
Origin
Europe, damp meadows
Soil type
Moist, well-draining, fertile

Care

Watering

Meadowsweet loves consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water regularly during the growing season, especially during prolonged dry spells. Reduce watering in winter once the plant goes dormant.

Light exposure

Plant your meadowsweet in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates partial shade but produces more abundant flowering in full sun. Protect it from overly hot, dry exposures in Mediterranean climates.

Soil and planting

Choose rich, moist, well-structured soil. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter at planting time. Meadowsweet thrives near water features, at pond edges, or in shaded, cool borders.

Pruning and maintenance

Remove spent flowers to encourage better blooming. Cut the plant back to ground level in autumn or late winter before new growth starts. Clean up debris to prevent disease.

Fertilizing

Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as growth begins. An annual application of compost at the base is usually sufficient. Don't overdo it, as excess nitrogen encourages foliage at the expense of flowers.

Diseases and pests

Meadowsweet is rarely troubled by disease if it has suitable soil and good air circulation. Watch for powdery mildew in stagnant humidity combined with poor ventilation. Check occasionally for pests.

Did you know?

Meadowsweet was once highly prized for perfuming churches and royal chambers during the Middle Ages; its tiny cream-colored flowers with their sweet vanilla-like scent were greatly treasured. Its Latin name 'Filipendula' literally means 'hanging in threads,' referring to the small fibrous tubers adorning its roots.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.