Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' - Queen of the Prairie, Bog Plant

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' (also sold as 'Venusta Magnifica'), known as queen of the prairie, is a tall perennial with large, deeply lobed, dark green leaves. In July and August it carries feathery plumes of dark rose-pink flowers that fade paler, followed by attractive seed heads.

Queen of the prairie at a glance

Botanical name	Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' (syn. 'Venusta Magnifica')
Common name	Queen of the prairie
Plant type	Tall, spreading perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 1.5–2.5 m tall, 50 cm–1.2 m wide
Flowers	Dark rose-pink, fading paler, in feathery plumes, July and August
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Moist or wet clay or loam that never dries out; any pH
Pond depth	None – wet soil, not in water
Hardiness	RHS H5 – hardy in a cold winter (-15 to -10°C)
Native to	Not UK native

Is queen of the prairie a pond plant?

It is a bog and damp-border plant, not a water plant. In the wild it grows in wet meadows and boggy areas, and it does not tolerate drought. Plant it in permanently moist soil beside the pond.

Does it spread?

Yes. The RHS warns it can spread and become a nuisance, and RHS trial judges called it a real runner that is difficult to control. Give it plenty of room in a large bog garden.

How to care for it

It is generally pest-free but can get powdery mildew. Keep the soil moist all summer.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.