Growing and Caring for Thalictrum Delavayi (Chinese Meadow Rue)

We start shipping our spring planted flower bulbs in Spring. We start shipping in the spring to the hardesty zones that are the warmest and work our way down to the cooler zones by mid-spring. Bees: Loved by pollinators Deer resistant Naturalising: Bulbs multiply each year.

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.

The French missionary and botanist Père Jean Marie Delavay brought it to Europe in 1884. It was named after him.

You can also find Thalictrum delavayi in woodland and wildflower gardens. It’s also a great plant 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 start shipping in the spring to the hardesty zones that are the warmest and work our way down to the cooler zones 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 are proud of our very high standards for quality control and customer service. Our dedication to customer satisfaction lasts long after the bulbs leave our store. When you order from DutchGrown, we promise that you will get the toughest flower bulbs, carefully packed and ready to grow in your garden.

Thalictrum delavayi, commonly called Chinese meadow rue, is an elegant upright perennial prized for its airy flower clusters and delicate foliage Also known as Yunnan meadow rue, this plant adds lovely vertical structure to gardens and borders Read on to learn more about growing and caring for this beautiful garden plant.

Overview of Thalictrum Delavayi

  • Upright perennial growing 3-5 feet tall
  • Clump-forming habit, spreading 12-24 inches wide
  • Native to China and Tibet
  • Features lacy, fern-like green foliage
  • Bears loose, hanging clusters of flowers in summer
  • Flowers have four lavender petals and showy yellow stamens
  • Grows best in full sun to partial shade
  • Prefers evenly moist, well-draining soil
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Works well in perennial beds, wildflower gardens, meadow planting

With its tall, wispy flowers and graceful foliage, Chinese meadow rue adds wonderful vertical lines and texture to the landscape. The following sections provide tips for successfully cultivating this plant.

How to Grow Thalictrum Delavayi

Chinese meadow rue thrives with a few simple care measures

  • Plant in spring after the last frost date, Space plants 12-18 inches apart

  • Choose a site with full sun to light shade and fertile, moist soil. Amend clay soils with compost.

  • Water weekly during the first year to establish an extensive root system.

  • After establishment, water during drought. Maintain even moisture.

  • Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring.

  • Cut back stems after flowering finishes in fall.

  • Divide congested clumps in early spring every 3-4 years.

  • Avoid disturbing the crown and roots to prevent disturbing next season’s flower buds.

Getting Thalictrum Delavayi to Flower

To encourage profuse flowering:

  • Site in full sun to light shade. At least 4 hours of direct sun is ideal.

  • Prune spent stems in fall to promote vigorous new growth.

  • Provide regular irrigation but avoid soggy soil.

  • Cut back flower stems once 50% of blossoms fade to trigger new blooms.

  • Give a high phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate blooms.

  • Leave some faded stems over winter to protect crown buds.

Caring for Thalictrum Delavayi

A few basic care practices will keep your Chinese meadow rue looking its best:

  • Stake taller varieties if needed to support upright form.

  • Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.

  • Monitor for powdery mildew and treat affected plants.

  • Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to rejuvenate.

  • Cut back stems close to ground in late fall before winter.

  • Water during droughts to keep soil evenly moist.

  • Apply organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

  • Avoid siting in hot, humid locations. Provide afternoon shade if needed.

Companion Plants for Thalictrum Delavayi

Chinese meadow rue pairs beautifully with these perennials:

  • Bee balm (Monarda)

  • Blazing star (Liatris)

  • Clematis vines

-Coneflower (Echinacea)

  • Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)

  • Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)

  • Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus)

  • Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida)

  • Ornamental grasses

Tips for Growing Thalictrum Delavayi

Follow these helpful growing tips for success with Chinese meadow rue:

  • Start with young potted plants from a nursery. Seeds can be difficult to germinate.

  • Give plants 12-18 inches of space to allow air circulation.

  • Site in areas protected from strong winds which can topple stems.

  • Avoid transplanting or dividing once flower buds form to prevent disturbing blooms.

  • Mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Remove spent flowers to prevent prolific self-seeding around the garden.

Common Problems With Thalictrum Delavayi

This hardy perennial has few serious problems but watch for:

  • Powdery mildew – Treat with neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays. Improve air circulation.

  • Self-seeding – Deadhead faded blooms to prevent unwanted seedlings.

  • Leggy growth – Prune yearly and ensure adequate sunlight.

  • Stem damage – Stake or grow near other plants for support.

How to Propagate Thalictrum Delavayi

You can propagate this plant in a few ways:

  • ** Division** – Divide the rhizome and root ball in early spring. Replant divisions 12 inches apart.

  • Stem cuttings – Take 4-6 inch cuttings in summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep evenly moist until roots form.

  • Seed – Collect seeds from spent flowers in fall. Cold stratify seeds, then sow indoors. Transplant seedlings after last frost date.

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

Select young, vigorous plants showing no signs of disease or damage.

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. Stake tall varieties if needed and watch for potential powdery mildew issues. Delight in the elegant beauty this plant contributes to the landscape.

Details For Thalictrum Delavayi (Chinese Meadow Rue)

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We start shipping our spring planted flower bulbs in Spring. We start shipping in the spring to the hardesty zones that are the warmest and work our way down to the cooler zones by mid-spring. Bees: Loved by pollinators Deer resistant Naturalising: Bulbs multiply each year.

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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.

The French missionary and botanist Père Jean Marie Delavay brought it to Europe in 1884. It was named after him.

You can also find Thalictrum delavayi in woodland and wildflower gardens. It’s also a great plant 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 start shipping in the spring to the hardesty zones that are the warmest and work our way down to the cooler zones 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 are proud of our very high standards for quality control and customer service. Our dedication to customer satisfaction lasts long after the bulbs leave our store. When you order from DutchGrown, we promise that you will get the toughest flower bulbs, carefully packed and ready to grow in your garden.

Thalictrum rochebrunianum ‘Meadow Rue’

FAQ

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.

Is meadow rue invasive?

The tiny flowers are grouped into dense clusters atop erect flower stems. Special characteristics: non-aggressive. non-invasive.

How big do Chinese meadow rue get?

Erect, this clump-forming perennial typically grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Thrives in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade.

Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum?

Thalictrum minus It’s well suited to being grown in a moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and looks great in the middle of a border. Best grow in a larger garden so it has room to spread. H x S: 60cm x 50cm.

What does Thalictrum delavayi look like?

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. Borne on wiry, purple-tinted stems, they bloom profusely from mid-summer to fall.

Is Chinese meadow rue bee friendly?

Bee and insect friendly: YES 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 a Chinese meadow rue?

In England, the Chinese meadow-rue are called “Lavender Mist”. If you take a closer look at the fragrant clouds of flowers, you can see what the reason for this is: pale yellow stamens hang from the pink to lavender-colored petals. The flowers are also ideal as cut flowers. The Chinese meadow-rue thrives best in the light shade of tall trees.

How do you grow Thalictrum delavayi?

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers a rich, humusy soil and light, dappled sun. Intolerant of hot and humid conditions. Thalictrum delavayi is a dense, clump-forming meadow rue that grows 3-5′ tall.

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