Meadowsweet.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 2 to 5 days

Mature size

Up to 1.5m tall and 1m wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 7

Bloom time

June to August

Care

Ensure Meadowsweet is planted in consistently moist soil, as it dislikes drying out. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a tidier appearance and potentially a second flush of blooms. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and manage spread.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Feeding

A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth.

Pruning

Cut back dead flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy look. You can also cut the plant back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Repotting

Divide clumps every 2-4 years in spring or fall to rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding. This also helps manage its spread.

Soil

Moist to wet, fertile loam or clay

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5)

Temperature

-30 to 30°C

Humidity

60 to 80%

Safety

People

Contains salicylates, which can cause stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It should be used with caution.

Pets

This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Small children might be more sensitive to the salicylates present in the plant. Keep out of reach of young children.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are widely reported for this species.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause respiratory irritation in individuals with hay fever or pollen allergies.

Edibility

While traditionally used, consuming this plant without proper knowledge can be risky. Always consult with an expert before ingestion.

How to identify it

• Compound leaves with serrated edges
• Tall, upright growth habit
• Clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers
• Rhizomatous root system
• Stems are grooved
• Alternate leaf arrangement

Height

0.6 to 1.5m

Spread

0.45 to 1m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

white, cream, 0.5 to 0.8cm

Common problems

• Powdery Mildew — A white, powdery growth on leaves and stems, often favored by high humidity and poor air circulation.
• Aphids — Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves.
• Rusts — Fungal diseases that appear as orange, yellow, or brown pustules on leaves and stems.

Growing it

Propagation

division, seed

When to plant

spring, fall

Plant Meadowsweet where it can receive consistent moisture, as it performs best in damp conditions and may struggle in dry soil.

Grows well with

• Marsh Marigold — They share similar wet habitat preferences and bloom around the same time, creating a beautiful waterside display.
• Yellow Iris — This iris also prefers moist to wet conditions and its bold foliage complements the delicate flowers of Meadowsweet.
• Purple Loosestrife — Both plants thrive in moist environments and their contrasting flower colors create a vibrant late-summer garden scene.

Keep away from

• Cattails — Cattails can be very aggressive spreaders in wet areas and may outcompete less vigorous plants like Meadowsweet for space and resources.
• Invasive Grasses — Aggressive invasive grasses can take over moist habitats and suppress the growth of native wildflowers.

Similar species

• Queen of the Prairie — Similar in appearance, but Queen of the Prairie has larger, more pinkish-red flowers and is native to North America.
• Dropwort — Also in the Filipendula genus, Dropwort has finer, fern-like foliage and typically smaller, white flowers, preferring drier conditions.

Science

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Filipendula

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eurasia

Conservation

Not of conservation concern, but wild collection should be done sustainably.

It typically grows in damp meadows, ditches, and along stream banks, often forming dense stands.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

Ornamental, Medicinal (traditional), Aromatic

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is Meadowsweet edible?

Parts of Meadowsweet have been used in traditional remedies and to flavor beverages, but caution is advised due to its salicylate content. It's best to consult with a knowledgeable herbalist.

What is the common name origin?

The common name 'Meadowsweet' likely refers to its sweet scent and its common habitat in meadows.

What is the scientific name origin?

'Filipendula' comes from Latin 'filum' (thread) and 'pendulus' (hanging), referring to the root tubers, while 'ulmaria' means 'elm-like', possibly referencing the shape of its leaves.

Does Meadowsweet attract pollinators?

Yes, its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths, providing them with nectar and pollen.

What conditions does Meadowsweet prefer?

It thrives in moist soils and partial to full sun.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Meadowsweet' refers to its sweet scent and its typical habitat. The scientific name 'Filipendula' comes from Latin 'filum' (thread) and 'pendulus' (hanging), referring to the root tubers, while 'ulmaria' means 'elm-like', possibly referencing the shape of its leaves.

Good to know

• Meadowsweet was one of the last herbs to be planted in English cottage gardens.
• It has been used historically to scent rooms and clothing.
• The plant's flowers were once used to flavor mead and beer.
• Its scent is said to repel insects.