About
This clump-forming perennial to 2m tall with leaves divided into oblong to rounded leaflets. Erect, wiry stems bear loose sprays of small, lilac-blue flowers with pointed petals and prominent yellow stamens from summer into autumn.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
ToxicityContact with foliage may produce a mild skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. May require staking. See staking perennials for further advice.
PruningSpent flowers should be removed to prevent over abundance of self sown-seedlings; cut down foliage in late winter or early spring
PropagationPropagate by division or by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions