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Herbaceous Perennial

Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Thundercloud'

French meadow rue 'Thundercloud'

An erect herbaceous perennial to 90cm in height, with mid-green leaves composed of small, obovate leaflets, and branched stems bearing large fluffy heads of small flowers with prominent deep rose-purple stamens in early summer

Synonyms
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Purple Cloud'
Thalictrum delavayi 'Thundercloud'
see moreThalictrum aquilegiifolium Purple Cloud
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Contact with foliage may irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Thalictrum can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with ternately or pinnately divided, often attractive foliage, and panicles or racemes of small flowers with showy stamens and sometimes large colourful petal-like sepals

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in early spring. Propagate by division in spring as new growth begins

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Cut down stems once flowering is over

Pests

Slugs may be a problem

Diseases

May be subject to powdery mildews in dry conditions

Get involved

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