Filipendula ulmaria Aurea

The Filipendula ulmaria 'Aurea', also known as the Meadowsweet, is a robust and hardy perennial that thrives in heavy and moist soil. The colour of its foliage is striking, ranging from yellow to green, with various shades throughout the season: almost fluorescent, then lime green, and finally soft green. It is a true ray of light in flower beds. Its numerous delicate white flowers are grouped in airy corymbs and attract pollinators, blooming from June to August. Both wild and elegant, it suits different types of gardens and requires minimal care.

The Meadowsweet has been known for its many virtues for centuries. First, aromatic: it flavors wines, beers, and mead. But also medicinal, a sacred plant for druids, it is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic... In our gardens, it is primarily decorative: long branching stems emerge from its rhizomatous stump, bearing large shiny leaves. These leaves are odd-pinnate, meaning they are composed of several leaflets, distinctly crenate and pinnate, with a wavy surface that pleasantly reflects light. At the tips of the stems, airy corymbs sway in the wind. They consist of multiple small white flowers, slightly fragrant, with prominent stamens that give it a lot of charm. Don't be fooled by its delicate appearance, it can withstand cold temperatures (-15°C (5°F)) and appreciates both sunny and semi-shady positions. Its only requirement is to avoid soils that may dry out.

It pairs well with companions of similar hues, such as Euphorbia cyparissias, Acorus gramineus 'Ogon', and Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', creating a bold-coloured grouping that stands out against a uniform background like a boxwood hedge. However, it can also blend into multicolored arrangements, bringing its vibrant palette and contrasting with darker neighbors, such as Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate', Berberis, or Heuchera 'Blackout'. It is up to you to decide where to place its spotlight, as its size (60 cm (24in)) suits both small and large gardens.