Overview
Thalictrum aquilegifolium is a bushy perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Thalictrum aquilegifolium grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Europe and Siberia.
About
Thalictrum aquilegifolium is an herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family that is valued for its summer flowering habit. It favours moist, well‑drained loamy soils and tolerates both partial shade and full sun. Native to Europe and Siberia, it is typically used in borders, woodland gardens and naturalistic plantings. Flowering occurs from June to August.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
About the genus
Thalictrum is a genus of 120–200 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, native mostly to temperate regions. Meadow-rue is a common name for plants in this genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thalictrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thalictrum
In the garden
Thalictrum aquilegifolium is a perennial member of the Ranunculaceae native to Europe and Siberia and commonly sold as Siberian columbine meadow‑rue. It is grown for its summer display and fits into structural planting schemes where a tall, airy presence is required; its common uses include mixed borders, woodland edges and naturalistic plantings. Plant in a position that receives partial shade to full sun, choosing a loamy, well‑drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH. The species prefers consistently moist conditions rather than drought, so avoid free‑draining, dry sites; a mulch can help retain moisture in summer. Hardiness rating H5 indicates it is hardy in most parts of the UK and will survive typical winter conditions when given suitable soil and siting. Space plants within a mixed border where their seasonality — leaves through spring and flowering in summer — can be coordinated with evergreen structure or later‑flowering perennials. Keep planting positions that offer some shelter from strong drying winds to maintain soil moisture. Flowering runs from June to August.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thalictrum
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thalictrum aquilegifolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, woodland gardens, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- Europe, Siberia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thalictrum aquilegifolium
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Thalictrum aquilegifolium?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum aquilegifolium?
Thalictrum aquilegifolium prefers partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thalictrum aquilegifolium need?
Thalictrum aquilegifolium grows best in well-drained and loamy soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Thalictrum aquilegifolium?
Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
Is Thalictrum aquilegifolium hardy in the UK?
Thalictrum aquilegifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Thalictrum aquilegifolium?
Seed, division.
More in the Thalictrum genus
- Thalictrummeadow rue
- Thalictrum 'Black Stockings'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum 'Nimbus Pink'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum Chantilly Lace ('Mactha002')Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum del. 'Splendide White'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum del. 'Splendide'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum delavyi 'Hinkley'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum diffusiflorumdiffuse-flowered meadow rue