Plant Database

Other Names:  Meadowsweet

Description:

Clusters of small white flowers rise tall above a base of deep green toothy foliage; low maintenance plants, great for borders, beds, containers or used in fresh-cut arrangements; drought tolerant once established

Ornamental Features

Dropwort features delicate panicles of white flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its serrated narrow compound leaves remain dark green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Dropwort is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dropwort is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dropwort will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 32 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.