Meadowsweet Plant Care
Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.
Filipendula ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet or mead wort, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Rosaceae that grows in damp meadows. It is native throughout most of Europe and Western Asia.
Every 3–5 days
Part shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–70%
What Is the Meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Filipendula genus. Meadowsweet is also known as Queen of the Meadow, Ulmaria.
Meadowsweet displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Meadowsweet produces fluffy, feathery plumes in shades of white, pink, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Meadowsweet?
Filipendula ulmaria requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Meadowsweet Need?
Meadowsweet thrives in part shade to full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 100–1000 lux. Avoid placing Meadowsweet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full sun
100–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Meadowsweet Prefer?
Filipendula ulmaria grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Meadowsweet prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Meadowsweet?
Moist, fertile, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Meadowsweet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Meadowsweet?
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to queen of the prairie plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Meadowsweet Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet is susceptible to aphids, sawfly larvae. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Meadowsweet Need?
Meadowsweet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Meadowsweet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Meadowsweet is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Filipendula genus — compare its care with other Filipendula species on PlantoScan.
Meadowsweet tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Filipendula Species
Other Filipendula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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