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How to Grow and Care for Columbine Meadow Rue Plants

Thalictrum aquilegifolium

This plant grows best with full sun for most of the dayThis plant requires or will tolerate shade during the heat of the day This plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic wateringThis plant needs a thorough, deep weekly watering, Double icons require boggy or wet conditionsButterfly FlowerNo DeerWhite flowering plantPink flowering plantPurple flowering plantThalictrum aquilegifoliumHow to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper
Meadow Rue plants are mound forming perennials that will grow to about three feet tall and spread to about 18".
They are known for their lacy, bluish green foliage that closely resembles that of the Columbine plant,
and the fact that the male and female flowers form on separate plants.
The male flowers being the larger and more showy of the two..
In late spring or early summer they produce airy panicles of tiny pink, purple or white flowers,
accented with prominent stamens on tall stems that rise above the foliage.
Cheech the Garden Gnome

Growing Requirements for Meadow Rue Plants

Columbine Meadow Rues are hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
They thrive in dappled sunlight or partial shade and will tolerate full sun in cooler regions.
In warm summer areas, provide shade during the heat of the afternoon.
Water regularly and thoroughly because Meadow Rues require moister soil than most other perennials.
The more sun that your Meadow Rue receives, the more water they will need in order to bloom well.
Thalictrum will grow best in a rich organic soil that is high in humus, so mix in plenty of compost to the planting hole before setting in the plant.
A top dressing of compost each spring is recommended.
Stake or provide protection from strong winds.

Meadow Rue plants tend to emerge later in the spring than most other perennials, so it is a good idea to mark their space over the winter, so you don't disturb them while doing your early spring gardening chores.

Propagating Meadow Rue Plants and Growing them from Seed

Meadow Rue Plants can thrive for several years without being disturbed, but they can be propagated by division in early spring or late in the fall if it becomes necessary,
or to provide additional plants.

For best results, Thalictrum seeds should be sown when they are fresh.
Sow seeds directly in the garden in the fall
or in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed.
Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before it is time to plant them outdoors.
Maintain a temperature of 70° within the moistened growing medium until germination, which takes 15-30 days.

Columbine Meadow Rue
Thalictrum aquilegifolium
A Columbine Meadow Rue in the Garden, Thalictrum aquilegifolium


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