About
Produces upright purple stems to 2m tall withlacy mid-green leaves; nodding flowers ofpurplish-white have conspicuous yellow stamens and areborne in early summer.
About the genus
Thalictrum can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with ternately or pinnately divided, often attractive foliage, and panicles or racemes of small flowers with showy stamens and sometimes large colourful petal-like sepals
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
Native toN America
ToxicityContact with foliage may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; may need staking in fertile conditions. See staking perennials for further advice.
PruningCut down stems once flowering is over
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in early spring. Propagate by division in spring as new growth begins
Pest resistanceSlugs may be a problem
Disease resistanceSusceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions