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Herbaceous Perennial

Thalictrum simplex

simple meadow rue

A clump-forming, deciduous perennial with leaves divided into three-lobed leaflets and unbranched stems bearing loose panicles of tiny flowers comprising purple-green sepals enclosing yellow-tipped stamens

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Purple Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Thalictrum can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with ternately or pinnately divided, often attractive foliage, and panicles or racemes of small flowers with showy stamens and sometimes large colourful petal-like sepals

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Faded flower stems can be cut back in late autumn or in spring before new growth starts emerging

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions

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