Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Filipendula purpurea
Japanese Purple Meadowsweet
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 2 to 2.5 feet
- Flower color
- Bright pink
- Foliage color
- Green; leaves resemble maple leaves
- Bloom time
- June to July
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; keep well-watered
- Maintenance
- Low; suitable for naturalizing and rain gardens
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4-9
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
About this plant
Filipendula purpurea is a perennial herb native to Japan. This plant is recognized for its upright clusters of small, fragrant, pink to reddish-purple flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer, creating a feathery appearance. The blooms are complemented by deeply lobed, dark green leaves that add a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
Japanese Purple Meadowsweet thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its attractive floral display and foliage make it a popular choice for garden borders and naturalistic planting schemes. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Filipendula purpurea is valued for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological health of garden spaces.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies
Design tip
Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
