Re: Filipendula rubra

I, too, grow Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' in full sun in well-amended soil that I never water.  I find that this plant is a bit on the aggressive side and looks sort of messy.  Am continually pulling it out.  Early growth in the spring, however, is outstanding.  I have it in a bed with roses, aquilegia, cyclamen, heuchera, echinacea, scabiosa, etc.
 
There are two other filipendulas that I like a lot more.  One is F. ulmaria 'Variegata' that is shorter and has green and yellow foliage which is outstanding.  Really brightens a dark corner.  It is much shorter than F. rubra and will tolerate dry shade.  Haven't grown it in sun, so can't comment on that.
 
The other one is F. hexapetala (syn. vulgaris).  This one is 2 to 3 feet tall in bloom.  It has finely cut basal foliage which I think is its greatest attribute.  Flowers are white.  Am growing it with a couple of hours of morning sun, well-amended soil and again, no added water.
 
Check them out!
 
Ginny (zone 6 in PA)
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