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Thalictrum delavayi (Chinese Meadow Rue)

Chinese Meadow Rue, Yunnan Meadow Rue

Thalictrum delavayi, Meadow Rue, Lavender Mist, Giant Meadow Rue, Chinese Meadow Rue, Yunnan Meadow Rue, lavender flowers, purple flowers, see through plant, perennial, perennial plant, perennials
Thalictrum delavayi, Meadow Rue, Lavender Mist, Giant Meadow Rue, Chinese Meadow Rue, Yunnan Meadow Rue, lavender flowers, purple flowers, see through plant, perennial, perennial plant, perennials

Tall and slender, Thalictrum delavayi (Chinese Meadow Rue) is an upright herbaceous perennial, favored for its lacy, refined, green foliage and its airy clusters of pendulous, lilac-mauve flowers adorned with conspicuous creamy stamens. Borne on wiry, purple-tinted stems, they bloom profusely from mid-summer to fall. This Chinese Meadow Rue adds elegant vertical lines to the garden. Being a ‘see-through’ plant, it is quite versatile and may be placed in front of drifts of shorter perennials or at the back of borders where it will act as a delightful foil.

  • Erect, this clump-forming perennial typically grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Thrives in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Intolerant of hot and humid summers. Dappled shade is preferred.
  • Fits beautifully in any beds of perennial flowers, wildflower gardens, meadows, woodland edges, or naturalized areas. Excellent background plant. Spectacular when planted in groups. Great for cutting too!
  • Easy to grow, Meadow Rue is deer and rabbit tolerant. Staking may be required.
  • Cut down stems once flowering is over.
  • Generally pest free. Watch for powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as the seed is ripe or in early spring. Propagate by division in spring as new growth begins
  • Contact with foliage may irritate the skin.
  • Native to China, Tibet

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Thalictrum
Common names Meadow Rue, Chinese Meadow Rue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum (Yellow Meadow Rue)
Thalictrum flavum (Yellow Meadow Rue)
Thalictrum ‘Splendide’ (Meadow Rue)
Thalictrum filamentosum (Thread-Like Meadow Rue)
Thalictrum dioicum (Early Meadow Rue)
Thalictrum thalictroides (Rue Anemone)

Recommended Companion Plants

Clematis ‘The President’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)
Artemisia lactiflora (White Mugwort)
Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick Allium)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Thalictrum
Common names Meadow Rue, Chinese Meadow Rue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)
Not sure which Thalictrum (Meadow Rue) to pick?
Compare Now

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