Overview

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Atropurpureum' is a perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Atropurpureum' 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 'Atropurpureum' is a perennial in the buttercup family that flowers in the UK from June to August. It favours moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and will grow in full sun or partial shade. The cultivar copes with both sheltered and exposed sites and is rated H5, meaning it is hardy across most of the UK. Use it where you need upright summer flowering in borders, woodland gardens or 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 'Atropurpureum' belongs to the Ranunculaceae and is native to Europe; as a perennial it returns each year with a summer flowering period from June to August. It performs well in a range of situations, accepting full sun through to partial shade, and will tolerate both sheltered and exposed locations. The hardiness rating H5 indicates it is hardy across most UK regions. Soil should be moist but well drained, best provided by a loamy mix; aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH to keep the roots healthy. Plant at a depth consistent with the existing rootball and water in well; once established it will cope with normal garden rainfall if moisture is steady during the growing season. Choose a position where the soil does not dry out completely in hot spells. Place groups towards the middle or rear of mixed borders, in woodland clearings or in naturalistic drifts where a summer flowering display is wanted; its flowering window of June to August makes it useful for bridging late spring perennials and high summer bloomers. Plant in threes or fives to give a reliable seasonal presence at the chosen height within the border.

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 'Atropurpureum' 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 'Atropurpureum'

Cultivation

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

Pruning

Cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Thalictrum genus

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