Overview
Thalictrum delavayi is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 metres tall. Thalictrum delavayi grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to China Tibet.
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 delavayi is a herbaceous perennial from China and Tibet that grows to roughly 1.2 metres and flowers from June to August. As a taller herbaceous element it brings vertical summer presence where a mid- to back-of-border height is required. Choose a site in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well‑drained soil that will not dry out; the plant prefers consistently moist conditions rather than drought-prone positions. It is rated H5, which in plain terms means it is hardy in UK gardens under typical winter conditions for hardy perennials. In practice it suits mixed borders, cottage garden layouts and naturalistic plantings where a taller, flowering perennial is needed for summer structure. Do not overlook the safety note: contact with the foliage may irritate the skin, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling the plant.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thalictrum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thalictrum delavayi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 1.2 metres
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- China Tibet
- Toxicity
- Contact with foliage may irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thalictrum delavayi
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Seed, division in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Thalictrum delavayi?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum delavayi?
Thalictrum delavayi prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Thalictrum delavayi need?
Thalictrum delavayi grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Thalictrum delavayi?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Thalictrum delavayi grow?
Thalictrum delavayi reaches a height of 1.2 metres.
Is Thalictrum delavayi hardy in the UK?
Thalictrum delavayi 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 delavayi?
Seed, division in spring.
Is Thalictrum delavayi toxic?
Contact with foliage may irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Thalictrum genus
- Thalictrummeadow rue
- Thalictrum aquilegifoliumSiberian columbine meadow-rue, columbine meadow-rue, French meadow-rue, greater meadow-rue
- Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album'White Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Atropurpureum'Purple Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'Chinese meadow rue 'Album'
- Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'Chinese Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum flavum 'Illuminator'meadow rue 'Illuminator'
- Thalictrum speciosissimum
