How to Grow Dropwort Ground Cover

Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris), also known as meadowsweet, is a favorite in perennial gardens. Dense fern-like tufts grow up to 1 1/2-feet high and bear tall, erect leafy stems that feature clusters of creamy white flowers. Dropwort is a durable plant, tolerant of a variety of conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dropwort plants
• Small shovel or garden trowel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Select a planting location. Dropwort can be successfully grown in Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Choose a location that receives partial sun, although dropwort will grow in sunny spots if the soil is moist. Dropwort will grow in just about any well-drained soil. It adapts to poor and dry soil well.

2. Prepare the planting area. As with most ground cover, the gardener has the option of tilling the entire planting site or digging individual planting holes. Tilling is a good way to remove unwanted plant material and garden debris.

3. Plant the ground cover. Dropwort may be purchased in either plugs or, more commonly, in 1-gallon pots. Dig the planting hole twice the diameter of the rootball and to the same depth that the plant was growing. Position the plant in the hole and fill with water. Allow the soil and rootball to absorb the moisture and then backfill the remaining original soil.

4. Mulch the planting area. Mulching, or "dressing" a planting site gives your garden a finished appearance and helps to prevent weeds and retain moisture. Spread a thin layer, approximately 1 to 2-inches deep, of mulch around the dropwort and over the planting area. Since this ground cover spreads quickly, the mulch will not have to be maintained.

Tips & Warnings

• When the plant is not flowering, dropwort strongly resembles a fern and adds interest and texture to the garden. Remove the faded flower stalks to encourage plant vigor.
• Dropwort is a moderate to rapid grower and can become overcrowded. The ground cover is easily divided in the spring.