more commonly known as "Queen of the Prairie," is without a doubt, the majestic beauty in my front terrace garden right now. It's taller than anything else, towering over the still growing Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum purpureum) whose purple stems are very visible on the left side of the photo below:
Filipendula is in the center back of the above photo, topped off by tight pink buds and standing about 5 ft tall. Red-birds-in-a-tree (Scrophularia macrantha) is the red in bloom in the foreground. Now that this much color is showing in the buds:
it won't take long for them to bloom. Once the buds open, the bloom is a fuzzy, "angora-sweater-looking" flower. I'll be sure to photograph them for you, in case you don't have this wonderful native growing in your garden already. Last year I posted a mini scrapbook page I had created with filipendula partially in bloom. Here's that same layout, to tide you over, until the blooms pop this year:
Remember that?? It really is a noteworthy perennial to have. Even the spring foliage is attractive since it emerges red:
Now that is veritable "royalty" wouldn't you agree?!!
Yes I would! And while on a garden shopping trip with my garden club, we visited a Mennonite nursery. There she had a HUGE clump of it growing. I had no idea what it was but asked. I almost died when she said, "Queen of the Prairie". I bought a pot as did two of my friends. It bloomed just like you said, pink angora. Not a long bloom time but hard to miss that cotton candy colored bloom. I hope it spreads as I found it difficult to find and now that I have it I'm expecting good things. Love your grouping. Please do post a picture when it blooms fully.
Posted by: tina | July 03, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I love that one! I don't have it, but have looked at it at nurseries. I hope I can make space for one. I really like your scrapbook page too.
Posted by: Catherine/gardenerprogress | July 03, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I don't think I've ever seen this. I'll have to look for it because it does look very attractive.
Posted by: RainGardener | July 03, 2009 at 12:38 PM
She's a stunning plant indeed. I love the early emerging foliage. Very royal. :)
Posted by: Racquel | July 03, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Such a delicate bloom for such a long stem. Love your page with the photo and write up. Very nice.
Posted by: Janet | July 04, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Yea! Your plant is looking wonderful! I've just photographed the one you shared with me - she's looking great... but due to her transplanting, she's not as far along as she'd be in your garden! I'll be posting very shortly... I hope! :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | July 04, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Do you have major problems with mildew on this plant? I do...I love it, but since I don't like using any chemicals, I might pull it out!!
Posted by: Heather Lollar | July 05, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Hi Kathleen, I've just linked my post to yours. Please post more photos later! :-) Have a great day.
Posted by: Shady Gardener | July 05, 2009 at 11:36 AM