Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
French meadow rue
T. aquilegiifolium is a vigorous herbaceous perennial to 1m tall, with attractively-divided, blue-green leaves and fluffy pink, pale purple or white flowers in dense clusters on erect stems in late spring and early summer
Synonyms
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium hybrids
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Pink White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink White | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Europe to temperate Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; growth starts in mid to late spring so take care to avoid damaging dormant plants when cultivating nearby earlier in the year
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe or in early spring or by division as new growth begins in spring, divisions may be slow to re-establish
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove spent flowers when faded
Pests
Slugs may be a problem
Diseases
Susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.