Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Wet meadows of Europe and western Asia. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Meadowsweet at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (cordials, mead) |
| Native to | Wet meadows of Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Meadowsweet toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: flowers
Contains salicylates: avoid with aspirin sensitivity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Meadowsweet
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Meadowsweet
- How far apart should I plant Meadowsweet?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Meadowsweet need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Meadowsweet need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Meadowsweet?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Meadowsweet flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Meadowsweet poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains salicylates: avoid with aspirin sensitivity.
- What grows well with Meadowsweet?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- Norwegian species and red-list information, Artsdatabanken
Notes and assumptions
- Frothy almond-scented cream flowers along ditches; salicin from it gave aspirin its name (from Spiraea).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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