Thalictrum lucidum (shining meadow rue) — Columnar upright

Overview

Thalictrum lucidum is a columnar upright 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 lucidum grows best in full sun and 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. It is native to Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., Germany, Greece, Hungary and Italy.

About

Thalictrum lucidum, commonly known as shining meadow rue, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It has a columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage, reaching a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres. This plant takes between two to five years to reach full height and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered south, west, or east-facing aspects. It grows well in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, and loam, with moisture levels ranging from moist but well-drained to poorly-drained soils. Thalictrum lucidum is of interest from spring through to autumn.

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: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Thalictrum lucidum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Columnar upright
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, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Thalictrum lucidum

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from strong winds; can be propagated by seed or division in spring or autumn.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Seed, Division
Pest resistance: Slugs
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Thalictrum lucidum?

Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from strong winds; can be propagated by seed or division in spring or autumn.

Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum lucidum?

Thalictrum lucidum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Thalictrum lucidum need?

Thalictrum lucidum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.

How do I prune Thalictrum lucidum?

Cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

How big does Thalictrum lucidum grow?

Thalictrum lucidum 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 lucidum hardy in the UK?

Thalictrum lucidum 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 lucidum?

Seed, Division.

More in the Thalictrum genus

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