Thalictrum petaloideum

RHS Plant Profile
petal-like meadow rue
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, deciduous perennial generally remaining relatively compact with flower stems to 30cm tall but occasionally reaching up to around 60cm. Foliage is blue-green and divided into small, rounded and lobed leaflets. Clusters of small white flowers are borne on slender stems in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Plant Range
E Asia

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • 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