Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' (Chinese meadow rue 'Album') — Clump forming

Overview

Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 metres tall. Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to China.

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 'Album' belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and originates from China. It grows to around 1.2 metres and provides a summer display when it flowers in June to August. As a herbaceous perennial it dies back after the season and regrows from the crown. Give it full sun to partial shade in well‑drained, fertile soil that stays moist; soil that is neutral to slightly acidic suits it best. The UK hardiness rating H5 indicates it is hardy in most UK gardens through typical winters, so plant it in permanent mixed borders or cottage beds where moisture is reliable. Avoid water‑logged sites despite the preference for moisture. Use in the middle or back of a border where its height can lift the summer flowers above lower perennials; it also fits naturalistic plantings where a relaxed, vertical element is wanted. Spacing it where surrounding plants do not shade its base will help retain the soil moisture this species prefers. The 1.2‑metre habit makes it effective for adding summer vertical structure to borders and cottage schemes.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Thalictrum

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, fertile
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 delavayi 'Album' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1.2 metres
Suggested uses: borders, cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings
Native to: China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'

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
Pest resistance: Slugs
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'?

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

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

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

What soil does Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' need?

Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'?

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

How big does Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' grow?

Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' reaches a height of 1.2 metres.

Is Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' hardy in the UK?

Thalictrum delavayi 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.