Overview
Thalictrum 'Elin' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Thalictrum 'Elin' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds.
About
Thalictrum 'Elin' (meadow rue 'Elin') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. It features deciduous foliage and grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations and provides summer interest.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thalictrum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Thalictrum 'Elin' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thalictrum 'Elin'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Suitable for exposed and sheltered locations. Requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Thalictrum 'Elin'?
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Suitable for exposed and sheltered locations. Requires minimal maintenance once established.
Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum 'Elin'?
Thalictrum 'Elin' prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thalictrum 'Elin' need?
Thalictrum 'Elin' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Thalictrum 'Elin'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Thalictrum 'Elin' grow?
Thalictrum 'Elin' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Thalictrum 'Elin' hardy in the UK?
Thalictrum 'Elin' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Thalictrum 'Elin'?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Thalictrum genus
- Thalictrummeadow rue

- Thalictrum aquilegifoliumSiberian columbine meadow-rue, columbine meadow-rue, French meadow-rue, greater meadow-rue

- Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album'White Meadow-rue

- Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Atropurpureum'Purple Meadow-rue

- Thalictrum delavayiChinese meadow rue

- Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'Chinese meadow rue 'Album'

- Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'Chinese Meadow-rue

- Thalictrum flavum 'Illuminator'meadow rue 'Illuminator'

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