Thalictrum delavayi
meadow rue
Thalictrum delavayi is a graceful, airy perennial that brings height and movement to the garden. Its delicate, fern-like grey-green foliage...
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from spring 2027
3 × 9cm pots
£23.99
£8.00 each
available to order from spring 2027
6 × 9cm pots
£44.99
£7.50 each
available to order from spring 2027
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Plant description
Thalictrum delavayi is a graceful, airy perennial that brings height and movement to the garden. Its delicate, fern-like grey-green foliage forms a soft mound, from which upright, dark-purple stems emerge, topped with fluffy sprays of lilac flowers from midsummer to early autumn.
The nodding blooms create a cloud-like effect, adding a light, ethereal quality to garden plantings. Ideal for the back of a herbaceous or mixed border, it contrasts beautifully with bolder, coarser-leaved plants.
Thriving in moist, humus-rich soil, meadow rue prefers partial shade but will tolerate sun if the soil remains consistently damp.
This low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding texture, vertical and architectural interest, and a touch of elegance to cottage-style gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
The nodding blooms create a cloud-like effect, adding a light, ethereal quality to garden plantings. Ideal for the back of a herbaceous or mixed border, it contrasts beautifully with bolder, coarser-leaved plants.
Thriving in moist, humus-rich soil, meadow rue prefers partial shade but will tolerate sun if the soil remains consistently damp.
This low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding texture, vertical and architectural interest, and a touch of elegance to cottage-style gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Light shade
Rate of growth
Slow growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Thalictrum delavayi:
Thalictrum thrives in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered. Plant it in a sheltered spot to protect the tall, delicate stems from strong winds and stake using plant supports made from natural materials (e.g. hazel or birch) before the flowers appear.
Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil. In autumn, cut back the flower stems to ground level to tidy up and encourage healthy growth the following year. Regular deadheading during the season can also help prolong flowering.
Divide congested plants in early spring as new growth appears, though divisions may take time to settle.
Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil. In autumn, cut back the flower stems to ground level to tidy up and encourage healthy growth the following year. Regular deadheading during the season can also help prolong flowering.
Divide congested plants in early spring as new growth appears, though divisions may take time to settle.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
