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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Thalictrum speciosissimum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

glaucous-leaved yellow meadow rue

A clump-forming deciduous perennial about 1m tall, with greyish blue-green stems and leaves to 40cm long that are composed of 3 or 4-lobed leaflets, and in summer large, terminal panicles of fluffy, fragrant, pale sulphur yellow flowers

Other common names
spherical-spiked meadow rue
Synonyms
Thalictrum flavum 'Glauca'
Thalictrum sphaerostachyum
see moreThalictrum speciosissimum
Thalictrum glaucum
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Yellow Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Correct

Plant range
SW Europe to N Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich soil, best partial shade but can tolerate drier soil and more sun than many other species. May need staking. See staking perennials for further advice

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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Faded flower stems can be cut back in late autumn or in spring before new growth starts emerging

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions

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