Chicken Coop Chatter©
Queen of the prairie as I prefer to call it, is a perfect homestead plant.
The clusters of pink flowers evokes thoughts of clouds of fluffy cotton candy.
It thrives under most conditions and most locations if it has well drained soil.
Filipendula is a hardy perennial, that can grow fairly tall and is best planted at the back of the flower bed, against a dark background to show it off adequately and to provide support for the long stout stems. Mine is planted against the red brick chimney for contrast and support, however along the edge of a picket fence no doubt would be the pioneer way.
Meadowsweet gets it's name from where it thrives, in meadows out in prairie lands. I am sure early pioneers on their trek, enjoyed seeing them in bloom as they approached the meadows for their evening respite, and no doubt children gathered them to cheer their mothers after a long rugged day on the trail.
Queen of the prairie is easily propagated from seed or by division and can spread throughout the flower beds under optimum conditions. Mine has never become invasive, even though it is allowed to reseed freely. These would be lovely planted behind Iris, since they grow taller, bloom around the same time, May and June, require the same well drained soil, sun exposure, and the colors are complimentary.
If you want a hardy, care-free, true American native plant, that was a homestead favorite, Queen of the Prairie will be ideal. Bees and Butterfly visit the plant regularly.
CREDENTIALS: Certified Oregon State Master Gardener since 1999. Horticulture degree 2001. Study of Herbs and Horticulture Therapy, heavy research and study of all plants and herbs. Gardening a lifetime.
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