Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' (Chinese Meadow-rue) — Clump forming

Overview

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' 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 'Hewitt's Double' 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 'Hewitt's Double' belongs to the Ranunculaceae and is native to China; it produces loose panicles of lilac flowers with green or white stamens and flowers from June to August. The species' multiple small leaflets form a fine-textured foliage platform from which upright flowering stems rise to roughly 1.2 metres. Give this cultivar a sunny or partly shaded site in fertile, well-drained soil that retains moisture and is neutral to slightly acidic. H5 hardiness means it is considered hardy across most of the UK; choose a sheltered spot if your garden is exposed to drying winter winds. It works well planted towards the back of mixed herbaceous borders, within cottage-garden schemes or in naturalistic drifts where the tall, airy flower panicles can be seen above lower companions. Position so the base of the stems remains visible; this keeps the delicate leaflets and the June–August flower panicles on clear display and helps the plant read as a vertical element in the border.

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
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' 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 'Hewitt's Double'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
Propagation: Seed, division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'?

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

Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'?

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' need?

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' 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 'Hewitt's Double'?

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.

How big does Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' grow?

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' reaches a height of 1.2 metres.

Is Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' hardy in the UK?

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