Thalictrum roch. var. grand (Meadow-Rue) — herbaceous perennial

Overview

Thalictrum roch. var. grand is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Thalictrum roch. var. grand grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, naturalistic plantings and cottage gardens.

About

Thalictrum roch. var. grand is an herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and a member of the meadow-rue group. It bears small, apetalous flowers composed of numerous long stamens carried in airy, often conspicuous inflorescences. Leaves are bipinnately compound and commonly have a glaucous blue‑green cast. Flowering occurs June to August.

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 roch. var. grand sits within a large genus of temperate, herbaceous perennials in the Ranunculaceae and shares the genus’s tendency to produce finely divided leaves and loose sprays of staminate flowers. The Thalictrum group is taxonomically complex, so plants are best judged by habit and foliage as well as flower display. The variety favours shaded or damp locations and does well in moisture-retentive ground; select a spot that does not dry out in summer and where light is filtered rather than full sun. Soil that stays reliably moist will support the production of the genus’s characteristic small, apetalous flowers and long stamens. Position plants where their airy inflorescences can rise above neighbouring perennials for best effect. Use Thalictrum roch. var. grand in shaded borders, damp meadow corners or the marginal ground around garden ponds where moisture and shelter are available. The blue‑green, bipinnate leaves provide a soft-textured foil for the summer flower sprays, which appear June to August and show the genus’s typical palette of white, yellow, pink or pale purple tones.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Thalictrum

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, fertile
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Thalictrum roch. var. grand size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Suggested uses: borders, naturalistic plantings, cottage gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Thalictrum roch. var. grand

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Thalictrum roch. var. grand?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum roch. var. grand?

Thalictrum roch. var. grand prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Thalictrum roch. var. grand need?

Thalictrum roch. var. grand grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Thalictrum roch. var. grand?

Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Is Thalictrum roch. var. grand hardy in the UK?

Thalictrum roch. var. grand 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 roch. var. grand?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.

More in the Thalictrum genus

Browse all Thalictrum →