Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a vigorous, clump-forming British native perennial producing clouds of fragrant, creamy-white flowers on tall, upright stems from June to August. It's frothy flower plumes and strongly toothed, divided foliage bring a wonderfully wild, naturalistic quality to cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, damp borders and meadow-style planting.
 
Naturally found in moist grassland and beside streams, Meadowsweet thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade. The nectar-rich summer flowers attract pollinating insects and can also be cut for fresh or dried flower arrangements. Established plants reach approximately 90–100cm tall and return year after year, gradually forming an attractive leafy clump.
 
When to Sow: April–June and August–September
 
HOW TO SOW MEADOWSWEET:
For best results place the seeds onto a piece of damp kitchen paper and seal inside a labelled ziplock bag. Refrigerate for 2–4 weeks to provide a period of cold, moist stratification.
 
After chilling, move the sealed bag somewhere warm and bright at approximately 20–25°C. Check regularly and transfer each seed onto the surface of moist seed compost as soon as a tiny root appears. Cover very lightly with compost or vermiculite and keep consistently moist.
 
Grow the seedlings on in cooler conditions. Transplant into individual pots when large enough to handle, then acclimatise before planting outside.
 
Classification: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
Expert Level: Required Some Experience
Germination Time : 3-4  Weeks
Flowering Time: June–August
 
Site: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Soil Type: Fertile, humus-rich clay or loam
Soil Acidity: Acid, Neutral or Alkaline
Moisture: Moist but well-drained to poorly drained
 
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during warm, dry weather. Cut back after flowering. Plants form spreading clumps and should be given room to develop.
Use: Moist Borders, Cottage Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Wildflower Meadows
Days to Maturity - 120-150 Days
Height:  90–100cm
Spread: 50–100cm
Plant Spacing:  50cm