Filipendula Rubra
 
FALL/ WINTER PLANTING FOR CLIMATE ZONES 3-8 (with snow) Or seeds can be cold-moist stratified in your refrigerator for 90 days in zones 8 without snow or zone 9. The seeds can also be cold stratified in your refrigerator in warm climates, or if planting at a warmer time of year.
 
As befits her regal name, queen of the prairie stands head and shoulders above many other garden subjects. Showy but undemanding, this herbaceous perennial is also sometimes called meadowsweet for its sweetly fragrant blossoms. 
 
Queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra) is a member of the rose family. An upright grower, it reaches from three to six feet high. Mature plants can spread up to four feet wide.
 
In early to mid-summer, the stout stems send out large clusters of tiny, peachy-pink flowers, somewhat reminiscent of an astilbe’s panicles. Queen of the prairie’s coarse, deeply divided leaves are also majestic. With seven to nine lobes, each leaf can measure up to three feet long.
 
Fertilized flowers are later followed by distinctive silvery-pink fluffy fruits (called achenes) that are equally as decorative as the flowers, if not more so. The styles (parts of the female reproductive organs) greatly elongate in the fruit to form plumes nearly three feet long.
 
Hardy in zones 3-9, this wildflower grows best in a moist but well-drained spot, and prefers fertile, humusy soil. It thrives in full sun, but will perform in light shade, particularly in very hot climates. Queen of the prairie suffers in drought conditions, and the leaves will decline later in the season unless the plant is kept watered. If the plant does become unkempt-looking after blooming, you can cut the foliage back to basal growth to promote production of new, healthy leaves. Applying a mulch will help conserve the moisture this plant craves.
 
This low-maintenance plant’s strong stems rarely need staking. Neither is deadheading necessary, for the flowers remain attractive even after bloom is done. Queen of the prairie generally remains free of any serious diseases or pests.
 
Planted in a spot to its liking, queen of the prairie will spread by its creeping roots, as well as self seed, eventually creating a whole colony of plants. You can also divide clumps in the spring or fall to make new plants. Be warned that this imposing plant can grow aggressively, so site it accordingly.
 
25 Seeds
 
Perennial zones 3-9
 
I combine shipping on all seed orders, you pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like for no additional shipping. Orders over $35 for any combination of items in my shop ship for free! 
 
All of my seeds are tested and guaranteed. Most of my seeds are fresh off of my own plants.