©Dolezal Publishing/Charles Slay
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Filipendula rubra
Plant Common Name
Martha Washington's Plume, Prairie Meadowsweet, Queen-of-the-Prairie
General Description
For a short time in early summer this elegant prairie plant bears fuzzy, pink clusters of flowers. The impressive blooms give credence to the common name, queen-of-the-prairie. Like many herbaceous perennials adapted to the vast prairies of eastern North America, it is fully herbaceous, very hardy and a perfect partner to attractive bunch grasses. It is tall and forms a substantial bushy, upright, clump that will slowly spread over time.
Large, deeply lobed, almost maple-like leaves grace this substantial garden plant from spring to fall. The leaves are coarsely toothed, medium to light green and have one to seven lobes. The stems are green to reddish green. For about three weeks in midsummer the plants produce tall, sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. These become topped with branched clusters of small, pink, five petaled flowers with long, white stamens that lend the clusters a light, foamy look. The lightly fragrant flowers are primarily pollinated by bees and beetles but butterflies also visit them.
Full to partial sun is required for best growth and flowering. Grow queen-of-the-prairie in moist, fertile, organic-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. It is not drought tolerant, so be sure to supply it with regular water during dry periods. Its spent foliage should be cut back in fall after a couple of hard frosts. This is the best time to divide it too. This tall perennial wildflower is ideal for naturalistic borders and prairie gardens. It looks super planted with bunch grasses and colorful summer bloomers. It is also perfect for naturalizing. The popular cultivar, 'Venusta', is slightly shorter and has particularly vibrant, dark rosy pink flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
