Filipendula camtschatica aka Giant Meadowsweet

Filipendula camtschatica is a tall plant called giant meadowsweet. This perennial lives for more than one year. It belongs to Rosaceae, the rose family. Its native range includes Korea, Kamchatka, and Japan's north and centre. It grows in temperate regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Gardeners grow it for its large leaves and summer blooms. Its height suits beds with room for a tall plant.

This plant forms clumps, with soft rather than woody stems. It loses its leaves with the change of seasons. The large leaves have deep lobes. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall. They spread about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] wide. The RHS says they reach full size in two to five years. Chicago Botanic Garden calls the plant's shape weeping. Its large leaves and tall form make it stand out. Choose a site with room for its full width.

The small flowers look soft and have a scent. They form clusters up to 10 inches [0.25 metres] across. Their colour ranges from white to pale pink. The RHS gives a bloom season from midsummer into early autumn. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms from May through August. Thus, the sources differ on the bloom season. Chicago also says the plant draws birds and butterflies. Its blooms and leaves suit cottage gardens and informal planting. The RHS also suggests wildflower meadows, borders, and beds.

Choose full sun or part shade for this plant. Give it rich soil with plenty of humus. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. The RHS lists both clay and loam as suitable soils. It grows in acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Sites may face any direction, with or without shelter. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–7. These ratings use different regional systems.

For routine care, cut the plant back once blooms fade. Sow seed in pots in spring to raise new plants. Divide established clumps in spring, too. The RHS reports few pest problems. Powdery mildew may occur, though. The supplied sources give no fruit details for this species. They give no evidence of edible uses or toxicity either.