Thalictrum rochebrunianum (Meadow Rue)

Majestic, tall, and slender, Thalictrum rochebrunianum (Meadow Rue) is favored for its lacy, refined, bluish-green foliage and its airy open clusters of pendulous, lavender flowers with conspicuous soft-yellow centers and gorgeous sturdy purple stems. Adding elegant vertical lines to the garden and clouds of rosy-lavender blooms, it blooms later than other Meadow Rues, from mid to late summer, but longer (up to 6 weeks).

Majestic, tall, and slender, Thalictrum rochebrunianum (Meadow Rue) is favored for its lacy, refined, bluish-green foliage and its airy open clusters of pendulous, lavender flowers with conspicuous soft-yellow centers and gorgeous sturdy purple stems. Adding elegant vertical lines to the garden and clouds of rosy-lavender blooms, it blooms later than other Meadow Rues, from mid to late summer, but longer (up to 6 weeks). Being a 'see-through' plant, this Meadow rue 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 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and spreads 2-3 ft. (60-90 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 architectural accent or 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.
  • Thalictrum is a genus of perennials that are grown for their lovely foliage and the airy grace of their flowers.
  • Contact with foliage may irritate the skin.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Thalictrum – Meadow Rues
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″
– 36″
(60cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow