Native Bulbs

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 Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria

Other Names:  Courtship and Matrimony
Distribution:  Native perennial throughout Britain.
Habitat:  Grows mainly in damp woods, meadows, marshes and fens.  Prefers sun or semi-shade.
Description:  Height is 60 to 100cm.  The sweetly-scented, creamy, frothy flowers heads appear from June to September. 
Uses:  Meadowsweet was used during Mediaeval times as a floor-covering to mask unpleasant smells and an infusion of it was used to ease pain.  The Anglo-Saxons used it to flavour mead.
Wildlife:  The nectar in the flowers attracts hoverflies and bees.  It is the larval food plant of the Brown Spot Pinion, Hebrew Character, Powdered Quaker and Emperor Moths.

Sowing Instructions for Seeds:  Sow seed in spring or autumn in a greenhouse or cold frame. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots.  Plant the seedlings out into their final position in summer.