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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Filipendula purpurea

Japanese Purple Meadowsweet

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; keep well-watered

Bloom time

June to July

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)