About
An erect, clump-forming perennial to around 1.5m tall with leaves repeatedly divided into greyish-green, rounded leaflets and from mid-summer into early autumn, branching, pyramidal panicles of purple-pink flowers with clusters of yellow stamens.
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 typeLoam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive, humus-rich but well-drained soil in partial shade, and provide support if necessary, for example by growing among shrubs. See staking perennials for further advice
PruningFaded flower stems can be cut back in late autumn or in spring before new growth starts emerging
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 resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions