Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' (White Meadow-rue) — perennial

Overview

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' is a perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' 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.

About

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' is a perennial in the Ranunculaceae grown for its white summer flowers. Native to Europe and placed in the genus Thalictrum, it carries the common name White Meadow-rue. It suits positions in full sun or partial shade on moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Rated H5 (hardy), it is typically used in borders, woodland gardens and naturalistic plantings.

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 'Album' sits within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae and comes from Europe. As the 'Album' form it produces white blooms from June to August. Plants are valued for their summer flowering rather than foliage features. Choose a site that receives full sun or partial shade and offers moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The rating H5 indicates the plant is hardy in most UK situations; it tolerates both sheltered and exposed exposures and will take aspects from north through to south. Keep soil reliably moist rather than letting it dry out between waterings. Planting suits mixed herbaceous borders, the edge of woodland beds and naturalistic schemes where mid-to-back border height is required. The cultivar's white flowers provide a cooler summer note and are effective planted behind lower-growing perennials or beneath trees with dappled light. Expect the plant's summer display to run through June to August, making it useful where a sustained white presence is required in that period.

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: north, east, west, south
Exposure: sheltered, exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, woodland gardens, naturalistic plantings
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Seed, division in spring or autumn

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album'?

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' prefers partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' need?

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' 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 'Album'?

Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Is Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' hardy in the UK?

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album' 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 'Album'?

Seed, division in spring or autumn.

More in the Thalictrum genus

Browse all Thalictrum →