Although there are several good cultivars and hybrids of A. filipendula, ‘Gold Plate is probably the best for flower arranging. It boasts deep yellow flowerheads up to six inches across carried on stems up to five feet tall. The green-gray leaves are aromatic, deeply cut, feathery and up to ten inches long. Plants bloom in summer and persist for a long bloom time. A long lived perennial, ‘Gold Plate’ is easy to grow in the border and a long lasting flower in the vase, both fresh and dried. Pair it with grasses, mixed foliage, contrasting blue flowers such as hydrangeas or bachelor buttons, or other yellow flowers such as sunflowers, goldenrod, lilies and roses.
Cutting: No special requirements
Conditioning: No special treatment
Preserving: Hang upside down or stand in a container of a little warm water making sure that the heads don’t touch each other; borax can be dusted on the heads to retain color but this is not really necessary.
Cultivation:
Size: 4-5’ H x 2.5-3’ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean, dry to medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Propagation: Division in spring or fall, seed, terminal cuttings in spring or early summer
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom; cut back after flowering to encourage rebloom; cut foliage to ground in late fall.
