Filipendula 'Red Umbrellas'

Filipendula 'Red Umbrellas': Red-Veined Leaves Steal the Show

Big, maple-shaped leaves with crimson veins running through them like a road map of the city. 'Red Umbrellas' is a foliage plant that throws in pink fluff for free. RAIN OR SHINE, IT'S OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Filipendula hybrid
• Common Name: Hybrid Meadowsweet
• Height: 65–75 cm (25–30 in)
• Spread: 65–75 cm (25–30 in)
• Flowers: Fluffy, light pink clusters held above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Early summer to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Large, deep green, maple-shaped leaves with strong crimson veins
• Features: Ornamental foliage, rabbit resistant, good for cutting

Where to Plant: Grow it as a foliage accent in a part-shade border, at a woodland edge, or near water where the soil stays damp, with protection from hot afternoon sun. The veined leaves add colour long before and after bloom, so give it a spot near the front of a bed or by a path.

Companion Plants: Primula Crescendo® Blue Shades opens blue primroses in April and May at 25 cm. Polemonium 'Touch of Class' follows with blue flowers in May and June, leading into the pink meadowsweet blooms. Ligularia 'Othello' adds bold leaves and orange flowers at 90 to 120 cm from July to September. All three suit the same partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in rich, moisture-retentive soil in part sun. It handles clay and a wide range of pH. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in its first year and through summer heat. Too much hot afternoon sun or dry soil will scorch the leaves. Mulch to hold moisture. Remove faded flower clusters if you want the focus to stay on the foliage. Cut the plant back in late fall or early spring. Clumps divide easily in spring.

History: Meadowsweets belong to the genus Filipendula in the rose family, named from the Latin for thread and hanging after the small tubers on the roots of some species. Many garden meadowsweets have Asian parents such as Filipendula multijuga and Filipendula palmata, which bring the large, lobed leaves and compact habit gardeners prize.

Final Thoughts: Give it some afternoon shade and it keeps the spotlight all season. THE ONLY UMBRELLA NOBODY WILL STEAL FROM YOUR PORCH.