Two Thalictrums - aquilegiifolium and aquilegiifolium Album

This pair of Thalictrum aquilegiifolium, also known as columbine-leaved meadow-rue, is ideal for brightening up a slightly shaded bed where the soil remains moist in summer. It brings together Thalictrum aquilegiifolium with its pale lilac pink pompom-like flowers and its 'Album' form with white flowers, two excellent varieties for ornamental beds, large borders, and even cut flowers. Their deciduous foliage is cut, light, elegant, and decorative even when the plants are not in bloom. Resistant to temperatures as low as -20°C, these perennials are quite tolerant, although they prefer well-drained and slightly moist soil.

The duo consists of:

1 x Thalictrum aquilegiifolium: this is the botanical species. It displays pale mauve pink flowers and can reach a height of 1 to 1.2 m. Blooms from June to July.

1 x Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Album': this form offers a colour alternative with its white flowers. Slightly shorter than the wild species above, it reaches about 80 cm to 1 m.

The meadow-rues should be planted in spring or autumn, in humus-rich soil that is slightly moist but not constantly waterlogged. They prefer slightly shaded areas. In a bed, the 'Album' variety, which is slightly shorter, should be planted in front of the Thalictrum aquilegiifolium. Leave a spacing of 50 to 60 cm between plants, with 3 to 4 plants per square meter.

For a successful bed, place colourful Heucheras, especially the variety 'Palace Purple', in the foreground to provide a colour contrast with the meadow-rues. Rodgersia pinnata 'Bronze Peacock' can be positioned in the middle of the bed, with its dark foliage complementing the more delicate foliage of the meadow-rues. Behind the meadow-rues, place large ferns such as Osmunda regalis to add depth to the overall composition. Finally, interplant an Aruncus 'Horatio' between the meadow-rues. Its graceful cream-white plume-like flowers will harmonise perfectly with the thalictrums.