Overview
Thalictrum minus is a perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Thalictrum minus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe to temp. Asia.
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
In the garden
Thalictrum minus is a tall perennial in the ranunculus family, native to Europe to temperate Asia. It typically grows to around 1.5 m, providing vertical structure through the growing season and producing its flowers between June and August. The genus is valued where height and airy summer flowering are required without extensive pruning. Give it a sunny position and a soil that remains moist but drains freely; it accepts sandy, loamy or clay soils provided water does not sit around the roots. The H7 rating means it is fully hardy across UK situations, and it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9 where winters are not extreme. Plant with good rootroom and avoid waterlogged hollows. Use Thalictrum minus towards the middle or rear of mixed herbaceous borders and in sunny, open beds where its 1.5 m height will form a summer backdrop. Massing several plants gives more impact and helps the summer flowering display. Flowers appear from June to August and are carried above the foliage, supplying a seasonally distinct vertical element in the border.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thalictrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Thalictrum minus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Native to
- Europe to temp. Asia
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum minus?
Thalictrum minus prefers full sun.
What soil does Thalictrum minus need?
Thalictrum minus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Thalictrum minus grow?
Thalictrum minus reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Thalictrum minus hardy in the UK?
Thalictrum minus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
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'