Description
Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' (also sold as 'Venusta Magnifica'), known as queen of the prairie, is a tall perennial with large, deeply lobed, dark green leaves. In July and August it carries feathery plumes of dark rose-pink flowers that fade paler, followed by attractive seed heads.
Queen of the prairie at a glance
| Botanical name |
Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' (syn. 'Venusta Magnifica') |
| Common name |
Queen of the prairie |
| Plant type |
Tall, spreading perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 1.5–2.5 m tall, 50 cm–1.2 m wide |
| Flowers |
Dark rose-pink, fading paler, in feathery plumes, July and August |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Moist or wet clay or loam that never dries out; any pH |
| Pond depth |
None – wet soil, not in water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H5 – hardy in a cold winter (-15 to -10°C) |
| Native to |
Not UK native |
Is queen of the prairie a pond plant?
It is a bog and damp-border plant, not a water plant. In the wild it grows in wet meadows and boggy areas, and it does not tolerate drought. Plant it in permanently moist soil beside the pond.
Does it spread?
Yes. The RHS warns it can spread and become a nuisance, and RHS trial judges called it a real runner that is difficult to control. Give it plenty of room in a large bog garden.
How to care for it
It is generally pest-free but can get powdery mildew. Keep the soil moist all summer.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
