Dropwort

Filipendula vulgaris syn Spiraea fillipendula 

Family: Rosaceae
Perennial.  Native to England, Scotland Scandinavia, Russia and Asia Minor.  Decorative and unusual. Very good for sidewalk gardens.  The Dropwort is in the same genus as Meadowsweet, which it resembles, but has thicker, more deeply cut foliage and bears masses of tiny flowers that start out as crimson-tinged buds and develop into long-lasting, cloudy white sprays.   Was used extensively during the 16th and 17th centuries, maintaining a reputation for treating urinary stones, epilepsy and dropsy.   Cultivation:  Sow seed in spring.  Easy to germinate and grow.  Does well in dry and limey soil.  Plant 1 foot apart.  Grows to 18 inches high.

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