About

Anemonella thalictroides, the rue anemone, is a delicate, clump-forming tuberous perennial making a wide-spreading clump to 10 cm tall, with divided, blue-green, rue-like leaves. Small, anemone-like white flowers 2 cm wide appear in clusters above the foliage in spring and early summer. A charming and refined woodland perennial for a cool, moist, shaded position.

About the genus

Anemonella are small, clump-forming tuberous perennials with fern-like, divided, blue-green leaves and small clusters of cup-shaped white or pink flowers in spring and early summer. Elegant woodland perennials requiring cool, moist, shaded conditions.

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toE USA

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in part shade. Tubers may rot in very wet soils.
PruningNo pruning required.
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide young plants in early spring.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free