Overview
Thalictrum flavum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Thalictrum flavum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Thalictrum flavum, known by the common names common meadow-rue, poor man's rhubarb, and yellow meadow-rue, is a flowering plant species in the family Ranunculaceae. Its native range covers temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. Growing to 100 cm (39 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) broad, it is an herbaceous perennial producing clusters of fluffy yellow fragrant flowers in summer. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thalictrum flavum
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
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thalictrum flavum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Fragrance
- Fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thalictrum flavum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Thalictrum flavum?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum flavum?
Thalictrum flavum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thalictrum flavum need?
Thalictrum flavum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Thalictrum flavum?
Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Thalictrum flavum grow?
Thalictrum flavum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Thalictrum flavum hardy in the UK?
Thalictrum flavum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Thalictrum flavum?
Seed, Division.
More in the Thalictrum genus
- Thalictrummeadow rue
- Thalictrum 'Black Stockings'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum 'Nimbus Pink'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum Chantilly Lace ('Mactha002')Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum del. 'Splendide White'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum del. 'Splendide'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum delavyi 'Hinkley'Meadow-rue
- Thalictrum diffusiflorumdiffuse-flowered meadow rue
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