Thalictrum – Meadow Rue
The genus Thalictrum contains species form across the Northern Temperate zone varying in height from species like Thalictrum kiusianum suitable for the rock garden to Thalictrum delaveyi which will, in ideal situations, top 7 or 8 feet high.
Often the colour of the flowers is provided by the stamens rather than the petals with the flower head presenting a fluffy mass, exemplified in Thalictrum aquilegifolium. The reason for the diminishing of the petals is that the flowers are wind pollinated rather than insect pollinated. Some of the taller species, such as Thalictrum rochebrunianum and Thalictrum delaveyi still have petals of visual significance with the flower presenting both pink petals and showy yellow anthers.
The thalicrums are a hardy race and mostly of easy cultivation. Their main need is for moisture. They will all grow well in light shade, though the taller species do better if planted in some sun, providing they are in a soil that doesn’t dry out. Species such as Thalictrum rochebrunianum can be slow to establish in drier sites. Annual mulching with compost or well-rotted manure can be very beneficial as well as not cultivating close to the roots.
Thalictrum is the Greek name for this plant
Meadow Rue
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