Plant Library

perennial

Meadow Rue

Thalictrum filamentosum

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Meadow Rue (Thalictrum filamentosum) at Shelmerdine Garden Center

Meadow Rue flowers

Meadow Rue flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  18 inches

Flower Height:  32 inches

Spacing:  14 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Description:

This repeat blooming woodland perennial produces clumps of deeply lobed airy leaves which are topped with the daintiest of creamy white flowers; excellent for cutting; may need to stake stems in richer soils; a must for the woodland garden

Ornamental Features

Meadow Rue features dainty panicles of white frilly flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its lobed leaves are green in colour. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous burgundy in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Meadow Rue is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Meadow Rue is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Meadow Rue will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 32 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Fall Color  Texture  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features