We started shipping our spring planted flower bulbs. We begin shipping in spring to the warmest hardiness zones working our way to the cooler areas by mid-spring. You can expect a tracking information email soon. Bees: Loved by pollinators Deer resistant Naturalising: Bulbs multiply each year
Thalictrum Delavayi, or the Chinese meadow rue, exudes elegance with its lilac to white blooms that emerge from mid Summer to early Fall. Held by dark purple stems, its fern-like grey green leaves contribute to its sophisticated charm. This perennial provides versatility, making it suitable for both front and rear garden arrangements.
It was introduced to Europe in 1884 by the French missionary and botanist Père Jean Marie Delavay, and was named after him.
Thalictrum delavayi is also a popular in wildflower gardens and woodland gardens, and a great choice for growing cut flowers.
– Dig a hole to the required depth. You can find this required depth for each type of bulb, tuber or root in the growing guides.
– Depth is measurement of space between the soil line and top of bulb or bare root. – Set the bulbs or bare root in place, pointed side or sprout side upward. – Cover the bulbs by replacing the soil and water thoroughly.
We start shipping our spring planted flower bulbs in Spring. We begin shipping in spring to the warmest hardiness zones working our way to the cooler areas by mid-spring. Bulbs that are planted in spring and have a tendency to bloom in summer are called spring bulbs. Not to be confused with bulbs that are planted in fall and bloom in spring.
For over 4 generations, DutchGrown™ has built its reputation by offering the best Fall-planted flowers bulbs available anywhere. We take pride in our exceptionally high level of quality control, customer service and our commitment to client satisfaction continues long after the bulbs leave our premises. When you order from DutchGrown™, we 100% guarantee that you will receive the hardiest flower bulbs available, packed with care and ready to thrive in your garden.
Thalictrum delavayi, commonly known as Chinese meadow rue, is a lovely ornamental perennial prized for its airy delicate flowers and lacy foliage. This upright plant adds wonderful vertical structure and texture to gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows.
Chinese meadow rue is native to the Yunnan province of China and was first introduced to Europe in the 1880s by the French missionary and botanist Père Jean Marie Delavay The species name delavayi honors this explorer and plant collector
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about growing and caring for this elegant perennial in your own landscape.
Overview of Thalictrum Delavayi:
- Upright perennial growing 3-5 feet tall
- Clump-forming habit, spreading 1-2 feet wide
- Features fern-like, green foliage that is softly rounded in shape
- Bears loose, hanging clusters of flowers in summer
- Flowers have 4 lavender petals and showy yellow stamens
- Blooms from mid-summer to early fall
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Thrives in evenly moist, well-draining soil
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees
- Works well in perennial beds, wildflower gardens, meadows
With its tall, airy flowers and lacy foliage, Chinese meadow rue is prized for its delicate beauty and vertical form. When happy, this perennial will bloom profusely from summer into fall
How to Grow Thalictrum Delavayi
Thalictrum delavayi thrives with just a few simple care measures:
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Plant in spring after the last expected frost. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
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Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. These plants need at least 4 hours of direct sun per day.
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Amend heavy or clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
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Water new plants weekly during the first year to promote deep root establishment.
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After the first year, water during droughts to maintain evenly moist soil.
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Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in early spring.
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Cut back flower stems to 2-3 inches after blooming finishes in fall.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in early spring. Avoid disturbing the crown.
Getting Thalictrum Delavayi to Flower:
To encourage heavier flowering:
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Site plants in full sun to partial shade. Morning sunlight is ideal.
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Prune spent stems in late fall to promote lush new growth.
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Provide regular irrigation but take care to avoid soggy, wet soil.
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Cut back flower stems by half once 50% of the blossoms fade to trigger new blooms.
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Apply a bloom-boosting fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus.
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Allow some faded stems to remain over winter to help protect the plant.
Caring for Thalictrum Delavayi:
With proper care, Chinese meadow rue will thrive:
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Stake taller varieties as needed to support upright form.
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Deadhead spent blooms to reduce reseeding.
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Monitor for powdery mildew and treat affected plants promptly.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in early spring. Discard the center of old plants.
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Cut back stems to 2-3 inches above the ground before winter.
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Water during droughts to maintain moist soil. Avoid soggy conditions.
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Mulch around plants with 2-3 inches of organic matter to conserve moisture.
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Site plants in areas with good air circulation and afternoon shade if possible.
Companion Plants for Thalictrum Delavayi
Chinese meadow rue pairs beautifully with these perennials:
- Bee balm (Monarda)
- Blazing star (Liatris spicata)
- Clematis vines
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)
- Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)
- Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus)
- Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida)
- Ornamental grasses
The airy flowers and foliage of meadow rue contrast nicely with shorter, bushier plants like bee balm and coneflower. Clematis vines also make lovely companions, climbing up through the tall stems.
Growing Tips for Thalictrum Delavayi:
Follow these helpful growing tips for success with Chinese meadow rue:
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Start with young potted plants from a nursery. Seeds can be difficult to germinate.
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Give plants 12-18 inches of space to allow for good air circulation.
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Site in areas protected from strong winds which can damage stems.
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Avoid transplanting or dividing once flower buds form to prevent disturbing blooms.
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Mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
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Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding around the garden.
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Provide some shade in hot afternoon sun, especially in southern zones.
Common Problems with Thalictrum Delavayi
When grown in the right conditions, this perennial has few serious problems but watch for:
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Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation and treat with neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays.
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Self-seeding – Deadhead spent blooms to reduce unwanted seedlings.
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Leggy growth – Prune yearly and ensure adequate sunlight.
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Stem damage – Stake plants or grow near other perennials for support.
How to Propagate Thalictrum Delavayi
You can propagate this plant in a few different ways:
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Division – Divide the rootball in early spring, keeping 3-5 shoots per clump. Replant 12 inches apart.
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Stem cuttings – Take 4-6 inch cuttings in summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep evenly moist until roots form.
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Seed – Collect seeds from spent blooms in fall. Cold stratify, then sow seeds indoors. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost.
Where to Buy Thalictrum Delavayi
You can find potted Thalictrum delavayi plants at:
- Local nurseries and garden centers
- Online specialty plant retailers
- Mail order catalogs for perennials and wildflowers
Look for young, vigorous plants showing no signs of disease or damage.
With its graceful, delicate flowers and lacy foliage, Thalictrum delavayi (Chinese meadow rue) is a lovely addition to perennial gardens, wildflower meadows, and borders. Provide this beauty with partial shade, evenly moist soil, and yearly pruning. Avoid transplanting once buds form to prevent disturbing the abundant summer flowers. Stake tall varieties as needed for support. Remove spent blooms to reduce reseeding. With proper care, this ornamental upright perennial will thrive, adding sophisticated vertical interest to the garden.
Details For Thalictrum Delavayi (Chinese Meadow Rue)
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Thalictrum Delavayi, or the Chinese meadow rue, exudes elegance with its lilac to white blooms that emerge from mid Summer to early Fall. Held by dark purple stems, its fern-like grey green leaves contribute to its sophisticated charm. This perennial provides versatility, making it suitable for both front and rear garden arrangements.
It was introduced to Europe in 1884 by the French missionary and botanist Père Jean Marie Delavay, and was named after him.
Thalictrum delavayi is also a popular in wildflower gardens and woodland gardens, and a great choice for growing cut flowers.
Learn how to grow Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Established spread: 10-20 inches
- Plant spacing: 5 plants per 10 sq ft
- Prefers Full sun to Partial shade
- Fully Hardy Perennial
- Attracts wildlife
- Native to China and Tibet
- Blooming Time: Mid Summer to Early Fall
– Dig a hole to the required depth. You can find this required depth for each type of bulb, tuber or root in the growing guides.
– Depth is measurement of space between the soil line and top of bulb or bare root. – Set the bulbs or bare root in place, pointed side or sprout side upward. – Cover the bulbs by replacing the soil and water thoroughly.
All orders over $100 –FREE SHIPPINGView all other rates HERE
We start shipping our spring planted flower bulbs in Spring. We begin shipping in spring to the warmest hardiness zones working our way to the cooler areas by mid-spring. Bulbs that are planted in spring and have a tendency to bloom in summer are called spring bulbs. Not to be confused with bulbs that are planted in fall and bloom in spring.
For over 4 generations, DutchGrown™ has built its reputation by offering the best Fall-planted flowers bulbs available anywhere. We take pride in our exceptionally high level of quality control, customer service and our commitment to client satisfaction continues long after the bulbs leave our premises. When you order from DutchGrown™, we 100% guarantee that you will receive the hardiest flower bulbs available, packed with care and ready to thrive in your garden.
Thalictrum rochebrunianum ‘Meadow Rue’
FAQ
Is meadow-rue invasive?
Meadow Rue is non-invasive, making it a safe choice for eco-conscious gardeners. Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity. Thrives in various conditions, adapting to both shade and full sun for versatile landscaping.
Does thalictrum delavayi spread?
Thalictrum can self seed but not so much as to be invasive and is trouble free. If you need to divide a clump, this is best done early spring or early autumn. Another advantage of growing Thalictrum is that it can be left undisturbed for many years. It does not need regular division, unlike some other perennials.
Does meadow-rue like sun or shade?
Sunlight requirements vary by species, but most types of meadow rue prefer part shade or dappled light conditions, though they will tolerate full sun. The need for shade is more pronounced near the southern end of the hardiness range.
Where is the best place to plant meadow-rue?
Plant meadow rue in a location with partial shade where the soil is moist. The pH requirements vary by species but generally most prefer acidic soil. True to its common name, meadow rue is at home in meadow and woodland settings where its loose, open structure will be enjoyed.
Is Thalictrum delavayi a perennial?
Chinese Meadow Rue, Yunnan Meadow Rue 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.
Where does the Chinese meadow rue come from?
The Chinese meadow-rue (Thalictrum delavayi) comes from western China. The tall, filigree perennial is named after the French missionary and explorer Pierre Jean Marie Delavay (1834-1895). He discovered the plant during his mission in Yunnan. The Chinese meadow-rue belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
What is Thalictrum meadow rue?
Thalictrum meadow rue is one such plant that has gorgeous lavender blossoms that look lacy and delicate. Did you know there are over 200 different species of Thalictrum plants in the world? These lovely plants are called meadow rue plants and range from Chinese meadow rues to yellow meadow rues.
Can Thalictrum delavayi be divided?
Normally no division of Thalictrum delavayi is necessary. If the drought persists, the Chinese meadow-rue should be watered. Adding some compost or organic fertilizers (e.g. horn shavings) in spring is recommended If you have chosen a suitable location, Thalictrum delavayi is easy to care for.
Is China meadow rue a perennial?
China meadow rue, or Thalictrum Delavayi, has beautiful lilac to white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Held by dark purple stems, its fern-like grey green leaves contribute to its sophisticated charm. This perennial provides versatility, making it suitable for both front and rear garden arrangements.
How do you care for Thalictrum delavayi?
With its graceful flower plumes and delicate foliage, Thalictrum delavayi is a lovely addition to perennial borders and wildflower meadows. A few simple care measures will keep this Chinese meadow rue growing happily. Site in sun to part shade, provide ample moisture, and prune back spent stems after flowering.