Filipendula rubra aka Queen Of The Prairie

Filipendula rubra is known as queen of the prairie. This perennial belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. It comes from the north-central and eastern United States. Its range reaches from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and west to Iowa and Missouri. Wild plants grow in damp meadows, fens, bogs, and roadside ditches. These wet sites reflect its need for steady soil moisture.

Plants grow 6–8 feet (1.83–2.44 metres) tall in gardens. Their spread reaches 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 metres). Tall, upright stems give the plant a strong form. Underground rhizomes spread outward and can build large colonies. The bright green leaves are pinnate and deeply cut. Each leaf has seven to nine narrow, lance-shaped leaflets. The large end leaflet has seven to nine lobes. The leaves also have a scent.

Small, pale pink flowers form wide clusters at stem tips. These branched panicles measure 0.5–0.75 feet (0.15–0.23 metres) across. The flowers have a scent and bloom in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a June to August bloom season. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists bloom periods starting in May. The flowers draw butterflies and rise above the bold leaves. Leave spent flower clusters in place after bloom. Removing them does not lengthen the flowering season.

Grow this plant in sun or part shade. It prefers fertile soil rich in humus that stays moist. It accepts clay and needs soil that drains well. Part shade helps in places with hot summers. Full sun suits places where summers stay cool. Dry soil can cause leaf scorch in full sun. The plant does not cope well with drought. Shade can make its stems lean or flop. Yet sturdy plants seldom need stakes despite their height. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 3–8. Division in spring offers a way to make more plants.

Use it at the back of large garden borders. It also suits cottage gardens and native plant beds. Groups work well in wet meadows and rain gardens. Damp ground beside ponds or streams provides another suitable setting. The plant resists deer and has few serious pest problems. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major insect or disease concerns. Plants For A Future lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not establish that every use is safe. It records traditional root remedies for bowel and heart complaints. These reports are not proof of safe or effective treatment.