Thalictrum delavayi var. acuminatum
lavender-flowered Chinese meadow rue
An erect, clump-forming perennial to around 1.5m tall with leaves repeatedly divided into greyish-green, rounded leaflets and from mid-summer into early autumn, branching, pyramidal panicles of purple-pink flowers with clusters of yellow stamens
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Purple Pink Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moisture-retentive, humus-rich but well-drained soil in partial shade, and provide support if necessary, for example by growing among shrubs. 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
- Cut flowers
- 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
Get involved
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