Plants of the genus Filipendula are found within the Rosaceae family along with over 150 other genera. There are 12 species currently recognized but only a few are of interest as ornamental perennials. F. rubra and F. purpurea are native to North America and F. ulmaria is native to Europe. Queen of the Prairie is the usual North American common name while the Europeans use Meadowsweet.

These are lovely, easy to grow perennials as long as they are given a moist location in full sun to partial shade. They particularly dislike drying out during the hottest part of the summer. The foliage is generally dark green and deeply lobed with serrate margins and a distinctive fragrance. In medieval times meadowsweet leaves would often be strewn on the floor to freshen the air as they were crushed underfoot.

While the foliage is quite attractive in its own right it is when in bloom that these plants become truly magnificent. Airy, frothy plumes that resemble Astilbe are displayed in mid summer at heights ranging from 1' (30 cm) to 5' (150 cm) or more depending upon the species and cultivar. Filipendula are excellent candidates for use in containers and make wonderful cut flowers all the while being resistant to the depredations of deer and rabbits. Although there is a susceptibility to powdery mildew for plants growing in stressed locations.

Filipendula 'Kahome'

This cultivar is a fairly recent release that has re-ignited the spark of interest in the genus. A lovely compact selection especially suitable for containers or use in the front of the border. Large, bright rosy-pink plumes are abundant in mid to late summer. Height: 12" (30 cm). Spread 18" (45 cm) USDA 3-8.

F. purpurea 'Elegans'

An elegant selection from a lovely species. 'Elegans' is more compact than F. purpurea but is larger than F. 'Kahome'. The airy plumes appear from a distance to be a misty shade of pink, but when viewed up close it is evident that the flowers are actually a pale pink to white with numerous deep red stamens, which create an interesting bi-color effect. A moist location is preferred especially in mid summer at peak bloom time. Height: 28" (70 cm). Spread: 36" (90 cm). USDA 3-8

F. rubra 'Venusta'

Queen of the Prairie is a suitable name for this regal plant. The species is native to North America and a major component of the tall grass prairie. This cultivar has been selected for its more compact stature and less roaming nature. The bright pink frothy plumes reach a height of about 4 feet (120 cm) whereas, in the wild, the species will often attain a height of 7' (210 cm) while reaching for the sun amongst the grasses. Under normal circumstances 'Venustra' will reach a height of 48" (120 cm) with an equal spread. USDA 3-8.

F. ulmaria 'Variegata'

This Meadowsweet has attractive variegated foliage with creamy yellow irregular splotches in the centre of each of the leaves. Grown more for this foliage than for its creamy white blooms, extra vegetative growth can of course be encouraged by removing the flowers. Height: 36" (90 cm) in bloom. Spread: 24" (60 cm). USDA 3-8.