As I’ve transitioned my garden into a more age-friendly space, I am always on the search for interesting perennials to add to my planting beds. Gone are the days of planting large swaths of annuals each season. These days, I grow annuals in containers for easier maintenance and relief for my aching back and knees. Plus, I can move them around for a pop of seasonal color.
My garden’s sun exposure ranges from full sun to mostly part shade; therefore, I want hardy perennials tolerant of those conditions. As a certified, card-carrying plant geek, I am always searching for more unusual plants a little different from the general run-of-the-mill offerings. One such plant is meadow rue (Thalictrum species). Two of my favorite meadow rues are Lavender Mist (Thalictrum rochebruneanum ‘Lavender Mist’) and yellow meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum). Lavender Mist is native to Japan, while yellow meadow rue is indigenous to Spain and Northwest Africa.
Lavender Mist meadow rue (Thalictrum rochebruneanum ‘Lavender Mist’) is native to Japan and has airy, delicate lavender-purple flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson University
The blue-green, pinnately compound foliage of these meadow rues is similar to columbine. They are extremely hardy and grow best in USDA planting zones 5 to 8. Plant in organically rich, well-drained soils with medium moisture. Mine do best when planted in areas that provide part shade and protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Flower stalks range from 2 to 6 feet in height, making it possible to use them as background plants in a perennial bed. The sturdy stalks usually do not require staking. Lavender Mist has airy, delicate lavender-purple flowers with soft yellow stamens and blooms from early summer into the fall. Yellow meadow rue has tiny, slightly fragrant fluffy yellow flowers which bloom in branched cone-shaped panicles during the late spring and early summer. Small sweat bees are attracted to the pollen and are frequent visitors. Lavender Mist also produces seed clusters that add interest to the late fall and early winter landscape.
Yellow meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum) has tiny, slightly fragrant fluffy yellow flowers which bloom in branched cone-shaped panicles during the late spring and early summer.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson University
The seeds of Lavender Mist meadow rue add interest to the late fall and early winter garden.Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson University
Meadow rues do not have any serious pest or disease problems. Powdery mildew and rust may occasionally be an issue; therefore, plant in an area where there is good air circulation. Another benefit is that they are deer and rabbit resistant.
For more information, see HGIC 1153, Growing Perennials.
