Culture
Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers constantly moist, alkaline soils. Intolerant of drought. Appreciates part shade in hot climates. Propagate by seed or by dividing clumps in early spring. Freely self-seeds. With sufficient moisture, foliage may remain attractive throughout the growing season. If foliage depreciates in summer, cut back hard to promote new growth.
‘Aurea’ will not reliably come true from seed, so prompt deadheading of spent flower plumes is generally advisable. With sufficient moisture, foliage may remain attractive throughout the growing season.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Filipendula ulmaria, commonly called meadowsweet or queen-of-the-meadow, is a large, clump-forming, upright perennial that typically grows 3-4' (less frequently to 6') tall and features branched, terminal, astilbe-like panicles (4-6") of fragrant, creamy white flowers in early to mid summer. Compound, pinnate, dark green leaves (7-9 leaflets each) are hairy and whitish beneath. Although native to Europe and Asia, this species has escaped gardens and naturalized in parts of eastern North America.
Genus name comes from the Latin words filum meaning a thread and pendulus meaning hanging for the root tubers in some species that hang together with threads.
Specific epithet means resembling Ulmus the genus name of elms.
‘Aurea’ differs from the species by having bright golden foliage. It is an upright, clump-forming perennial that typically grows to 30-36” tall and features compound-pinnate, bright gold leaves (7-9 lance-shaped leaflets each) that can provide impressive accent to part-shade areas of the garden. Leaves gradually turn gold-green as the summer progresses. This plant is primarily grown for the impact of its golden foliage rather than for its somewhat unexceptional flowers.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to mildew.
Uses
Borders (rear), naturalized areas, wet meadows or moist areas along streams or ponds.