How to grow Thalictrum Aquilegifolium
Thalictrum aquilegifolium - also known as Columbine Meadow Rue or feathered columbine is a hardy perennial and a member of the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) family. This pink and purple bloomer has a sweet fragrance and eye-catching clusters of flowers. Growing to 100cm in size and 45cm in spread, Thalictrum is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance.
Thalictrum aquilegifolium, with its tall supporting stems - make the perfect cut flower. Thalictrum also blooms relatively late in comparison to other border plants, extending the life and colour of your border.
Thalictrum is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial which will grow in containers and borders when given a site in partial sun; it thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Thalictrum’s beautiful blooms sway gently in the breeze, attracting planet-saving pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the flowers. Thalictrum is also capable of self-seeding, which will encourage small birds to your garden. However, do not fear - Thalictrum aquilegifolium does not self-seed aggressively, although you may decide to deadhead the heads after flowering to prevent self-seeding entirely.
One cultivar of this plant known as ‘Thundercloud’ has been awarded by RHS (The Royal Horticultural Society) with an Award of Garden Merit - this means it performs well and grows healthily under UK growing conditions. This cultivar is generally taller and has flowers in a darker purple colour than the main species.
Ready to create a colourful border? Read on to find out more about this sweet-smelling herbaceous perennial…
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Thalictrum Aquilegifolium
Although much of its beauty comes from its gentle movement in the breeze, Thalictrum aquilegifolium may struggle with strong gusts of wind. As Thalictrum does not enjoy full sun, find a position that benefits from shade or shelter. It is worth considering planting your Thalictrum against a wall or a fence and nearer to the back of a border to add some protection and shelter from the elements.
How to plant Thalictrum Aquilegifolium
For the best results plant your Thalictrum aquilegifolium in the spring. Once you are ready to plant your bare roots, soak them in water for around 3-6 hours before planting. This will ‘wake them up’ from dormancy.
Plant the bare roots into a pot filled with compost - make sure that the pot has enough extra room to facilitate growth. Find a shady and sheltered spot outdoors to place your pot
Once full growth starts, you can plant it into its permanent container or a border. Make sure this spot benefits from at least partial sun and shelter as well as well-draining soil. You can, alternatively, plant them directly into the ground at stage 2
Water once planted and water regularly to keep the soil moist without waterlogging.
What to plant with Thalictrum Aquilegifolium
As Thalictrum aquilegifolium is perfect in borders and will move with the breeze, consider using this quality in a border. Ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis Canadensis thrive in partial shade and moist soil. Add a further splash of colour by pairing Thalictrum aquilegifolium tall lavender plants such as Lavender Folgate which flower in the summer months. You can also grow other moist-soil-loving perennials such as Astilbes or ‘False Goatsbeard’, whose pink feathery flowers thrive in the shade and bloom in late spring.
How to care for Thalictrum Aquilegifolium
Pruning & Deadheading
Once the flowers begin to wilt after the summer months, you may wish to cut back the stems of your Thalictrum aquilegifolium. If you do not want the plant to self-seed, it is particularly important to cut Thalictrum back. Whenever you are handling the plant, make sure to wear gloves and protect your arms with clothing; the entire plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritation.
Watering
Water regularly to help establish growth and support healthy development. Be sure not to let the soil dry out and stay mindful of dry spells or warm conditions. You might like to encourage further healthy growth over the next year by adding mulch or fertiliser once cut back.
Cold Protection
Thalictrum is herbaceous so it will collapse and die back once your garden starts to experience any frost. It will return the following year once the soil begins to warm up.
Pests & Diseases
Thalictrum aquilegifolium does not have particular problems with pests or diseases, although it may be subjected to slugs. Look out for irregular holes and small slime trails as tell-tale signs of this. Thalictrum aquilegifolium may also be subject to powdery mildew if there are extended periods of dry weather. This will appear as white powdery spots on the leaves.
How to propagate Thalictrum Aquilegifolium
The best way to propagate Thalictrum aquilegifolium is by division. You can do this once the flowering season has ended in early autumn
Remove the parent plant from the soil. Gently use a sharp knife to pry and untangle the roots. Then, cut no more than ⅓ of the parent plant’s roots away. Remember to re-plant the parent plant as soon as possible
Fill a pot with the plant division and potting soil, ensuring that the pot is large enough to facilitate growth on either side of the root and the soil is gently firmed to secure. This pot is best brought indoors so you have better control of the growing environment to prevent waterlogging or drought. Water regularly to stimulate growth
At next year's planting cycle, your roots should be established by themselves and will be ready to transplant outdoors. Water regularly, as Thalictrum aquilegifolium enjoys moist to well-drained soil.
Common Thalictrum Aquilegifolium Questions
Is Thalictrum aquilegifolium invasive?
While Thalictrum aquilegifolium can self-seed, it does not self-seed invasively, so it should not cause problems for gardeners.
Is Thalictrum aquilegifolium poisonous?
Yes, the plant is poisonous, especially the root. Make sure to wear gloves whenever you are handling all parts of the plant, as it may cause irritation to the skin.
Where to plant Thalictrum aquilegifolium?
Thalictrum aquilegifolium is best placed in a position that benefits from partial sun and partial shade. Thalictrum thrives in moist, well-drained soil and will enjoy a position that shelters it from too much wind.