Thalictrum dasycarpum

RHS Plant Profile
purple meadow rue
Herbaceous Perennial

Produces upright purple stems to 2m tall withlacy mid-green leaves; nodding flowers ofpurplish-white have showy yellow stamens and areborne in early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Contact with foliage may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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
Plant Range
N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; may need staking in fertile conditions. See staking perennials for further advice.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in early spring. Propagate by division in spring as new growth begins

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down stems once flowering is over

Pests

Slugs may be a problem

Diseases

Susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions