About

An upright, herbaceous perennial attaining around 1.5m, with pale green leaves divided into many small oblong leaflets, turning yellow-brown in the autumn. Large, open panicles of white flowers 2cm in width with prominent stamens, appear in 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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. May need staking. See staking perennials for further advice
PruningIn late autumn or early winter the faded flower stems cam be cut back to ground level to tidy the plant if required.
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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions