Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'My Little Favourite'

RHS Plant Profile
French meadow rue 'My Little Favourite'
Herbaceous Perennial

A relatively compact cultivar to around 50-60cm tall forming a mound of blue-green leaves divided into three-lobed leaflets. Wiry purple stems bear panicles of small, fluffy, purple-pink flowers in early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay, Chalk

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, though will tolerate a sunny position if not too dry

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring as new growth begins

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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