Thalictrum rochebrunianum - Meadow-rue

Thalictrum rochebrunianum is an astonishing Japanese meadow rue, a tall plant but full of class. This very beautiful botanical species is as much admired for its particularly elegant, fine and finely cut bluish foliage as for its summer flowering formed of countless small, pink-purple cup-shaped flowers, with yellow-cream stamens. They are gathered in aerial, pendulous panicles, blooming at the end of tall, solid and straight stems. This wonderful perennial thrives in rather moist soil, in shade or semi-shade, away from direct sunlight that could scorch its foliage.

Thalictrum rochebrunianum, also known as lavender mist meadow rue, is a rhizomatous perennial plant native to Korea and Japan, belonging to the buttercup family. It is a herbaceous perennial, with an upright and erect habit, forming a bushy clump, from which thin and solid stems rise, tinged with purple, reaching a height of about 1.50 m (5ft), sometimes 2 metres (7 feet), in moist soil and in the sun), with a width of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in). Its deciduous foliage, slightly bluish-green, finely cut and very light, is composed of leaves 25 to 45 cm (10 to 18in) long, pinnate or ternate, with entire or lobed obovate leaflets. In July-August, large loose panicles appear, which are well-branched with small cup-shaped flowers; four blue-purple sepals, enhanced by prominent yellow creamy stamens. Not liking competition of nearby roots, a planting distance of 40 cm (16in) around its base should be allowed. Meadow rue is rather slow to establish, but it will become more and more beautiful over time.

This Thalictrum rochebrunianum has the same ornamental function as paniculate Gypsophilas, but unlike them, it chooses damp and shaded areas of the garden. With its development, delicate and elegant foliage, as well as its ethereal appearance, it will be perfect to give height and lightness to flowerbeds. Despite its size, its transparent silhouette allows it to also be planted at the front of flowerbeds. It will be very effective in contrast with less delicate perennials (Rodgersia, blue Hostas), as well as at the edge of shrub flowerbeds. It will naturally find its place in the company of Hydrangeas, shrub or climbing Roses, Fuchsias, Japanese Anemones, Aconites, Astilbes, Campanulas, Buckthorn, Snowberries, Ferns, Hellebores, Foxgloves, Grasses, perennial Geraniums, Elderberries, Sacred Bamboo, etc.