Meadowsweet or Queen of the Meadow with jagged leaves and a creamy variegated leaf

About The Meadowsweet

Why plant the Meadowsweet? I wanted to have additional plants in my back garden that had a variegated leaf so I decided in 2009 to once again try this perennial.

I had been successful with this plant in my previous gardens and really liked the outcome.

The leaves are jagged and a deep green with light creamy white areas running throughout. This perennial reminds me very much of the Astilbe. Their panicles are very similar, although the Meadowsweet blooms are a bit bigger and airy in volume.

Towards the end of the season you might find that some of the leaf edges brown a bit, however I never found it to be too noticeable. Because the larger bottom leaves hug the ground, it makes sense to check underneath from time to time for any damaged, brown or dead leaves. The middle growth is also quite thick and I found grub larvae nestled within...so keep an eye out.

How To Grow The Meadowsweet

I grow this perennial more for its variegated foliage than the flowers, however I had forgotten that the cream colored plumes really are very pretty. Unfortunately, deadheading does not encourage repeat blooming.

Just remember that this plant likes to have a moist but not soggy soil, so make sure it doesn't sit out in the sun all day unless you plan on watering more often. The foliage will wilt if left to dry out. It is better suited for a part sun to shade location. I planted mine in the back garden where it receives a less intense morning sun and a few over-spray splashes from the waterfall.

Meadowsweets have a clumping growth habit and when at its peak, can look like a mini shrub.

Great companion plants: many varieties of Hostas, the Oxalis annual plant, Spreading Evergreens, Leopards Bane or the Ladys Mantle.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Meadowsweet Features

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