Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet )

Botanical name

Filipendula ulmaria

Other names

Bridewort, Pride of the meadow, Lady of the meadow, Meadow queen, Mountain spirea, Meadow-wort, Meadowsweet

Genus

Filipendula Filipendula

Species

F. ulmaria - F. ulmaria is an upright, herbaceous perennial with deep green, pinnate, divided leaves and fluffy, white flower heads in summer until early autumn.

Native to

Europe, Western Asia

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Upright

Colour

Flower

White in Summer; White in Autumn

Foliage

Bright-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Cut back after flowering.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet ) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), City, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Meadow, Waterside

Cultivation

Plant in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or light shade. A useful plant for areas with poor drainage.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet )

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet )

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet )

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Orgyia thyellina

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest from Eastern Asia which could be damaging to broadleaf and coniferous species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be on goods (including non-plant material) imported from Eastern Asia and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/