About
An upright, clump-forming perennial to around 70cm high with blue-green, divided foliage. These appear from spring to summer. Flowers are petal-less with yellowish-green stamens (purple in female plants) hanging beneath green sepals instead.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toN America
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in a moist, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade at the back of the border as a backdrop for other perennials. May require staking, particularly in windy or wetter areas. Protect from strong winds. See staking perennials for further advice
PruningFaded flower stems can be cut back in late autumn or in spring before new growth starts emerging. Cutting back will also prevent self-seeding if this is not required
PropagationPropagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring as new growth begins
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions