Thalictrum rochebrunianum - Lavender Mist Meadow Rue

Sizes available: TBD

Basics: zones 4-7, 36-72" x 18", part sun to part shade, sprays of lavender-pink flowers with little yellow centers high over airy, Columbine-like leaves in mid to late summer, can tolerate full sun in wet soil, but prefers a bit of shade and moist, woodland soils. However, I have it growing under some birch trees among waaaaaay too many daffodil bulbs, on a slope where it gets a lot of light but almost no direct sun, is pretty dry, and it has held its own for over three years. I am going to try it in a more hospitable area, too, and I will keep you posted.

Common names: Lavender Mist Meadow Rue, Giant Meadow Rue

Family: Ranunculaceae

Origin/Distribution: Korean peninsula and Japan

Habitat: moist meadows and woodland edges

More: Okay. I admit it. I have never met a Thalictrum I didn't immediately take a shine to and we have two that are native to Maine. But there are lovely Thalictrums native to other temperate climates and this is one of them. Slow to emerge in the spring and definitely worth the wait. So light and airy and with a narrow profile, it can be popped in almost anywhere if the conditions are right. Although tall, it has not needed staking in my garden and happily sways in the winds we get in the fall. Maybe a good cut flower?

Source: Landscape plugs from North Creek Nursery

Image credit: Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH