Queen of the Prairie - Filipendula rubra

Filipendula rubra, also known as Queen of the Prairie, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan. Although not historically native to the Upper Peninsula, we have observed wild colonies of this plant along roadsides in the U.P. It is a large plant with presence: height, showy leaves, and poofy flower clusters reminiscent of astilbe.

Queen of the Prairie reaches 5 feet tall and flowers in August with a pink blossom. Both the flowers and leaves are fragrant. This plant focuses its resources on producing pollen for bees.

Queen of the Prairie prefers full sun, medium to wet soil, and will grow in clay, loam or sand, but prefers medium humusy soils. Spreads by rhizome and may crowd small gardens. Works well as a large garden backdrop or accent plant in a space of its own, and is also happy in rain gardens. Large clusters of plants are spectacular. If you want to pair it with something, try another plant that is a vigorous spreader in moist soil such as Canada Anemone or Cutleaf Coneflower.