Filipendula an ideal perennial, which absolutely thrives in the Aberdeen area. Generally preferring to be in partial shade in moist soil. The variety Rubra Venusta grows to around four feet tall with fluffy deep pink flowers which lighten with age, flowering June/August. Even after the flowers go over the plant still looks fantastic for the rest of the season with pale mauve seedheads. Filipendula looks really good when situated beside the garden pond.
One drawback, when lifting and dividing it can take a couple of years before it flowers to its best again. In fact when we introduced it to the garden, it must be eight years ago now! in the first three years we were unimpressed with the performance. However after this slow start it has been sensational. The RHS has given it the award of garden merit.
Position – Partial shade
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Soil – Heavy moist or boggy
Height – 4ft in my garden, known to grow taller in some areas.
First of the hard frost this morning. Next week I will have to get container plants placed in the unheated greenhouse to give the roots that bit more protection. Looking over the back garden yesterday 5th November set me thinking that I have never seen our garden with such good Autumn colour. I have taken a few pictures.
© 2010, Alistair. All rights reserved.
