How to grow Thalictrum Splendide
Growing to 175cm in height and 80cm in spread, Thalictrum Splendide is a member of the Ranunculaceae or buttercup family. Thalictrum Splendide’s tall, upright stems hold clusters of white or lilac cupped flowers and its long flowering period adds plenty of colour to the garden.
Thalictrum Splendide, also known as Meadow Rue, is perfect placed at the back of a garden border, where it may need staking due to its height. Thalictrum splendide is easy to grow, enjoys partial sun and moist soil and it is fully hardy - tolerating temperatures down as low as -15°C. Thalictrum Splendide is an herbaceous perennial and will die back over the winter, growing back each year.
A nectar rich plant, Thalictrum Splendide will bring bees and butterflies to its coloured seed heads, and it also makes the perfect cut flower.
Are you ready to learn more about Thalictrum Splendide? Read on...
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Thalictrum Splendide
Your Thalictrum Splendide will thrive in a position that benefits from shade, shelter and moist, well-draining soil. The best place for Thalictrum Splendide is at the back of a garden border - allowing shorter perennials to grow in front of it. It may need staking and shelter to encourage upright growth, particularly in places that may see frequent wind or rain.
How to plant Thalictrum Splendide
For the best results, plant Thalictrum Splendide in the spring. You can grow this plant from either seed or bare roots
Start by soaking bare roots in water for several hours. This will help to awaken the plant from dormancy before planting
Prepare a pot with compost, ensuring that the plant has enough space to grow. Once potted, find a spot outside with plenty of shade and shelter to give you plant the best conditions whilst it settles in
Once it is more established, put the plant into its permanent home in the soil outdoors. You will need to find a position that benefits from part sun and part shade. It would also benefit from a spot with plenty of shelter to protect it from strong winds
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Remember that Thalictrum delavayi needs well-draining soil, so do not waterlog the plant.
What to plant with Thalictrum Splendide
Due to the height and position in your border of Thalictrum Splendide, you will want to fill the rest of your border with plants that enjoy similar conditions: moist, well-draining soil and some sunlight with partial shade. Add ornamental grasses for a movement that matches that of Thalictrum, try shorter perennials such as Astilbes for shade-loving pops of colour and dwarf Delphiniums for pretty purples, pale pinks and blushing blues.
How to care for Thalictrum Splendide
Pruning & Deadheading
Once the flowering season ends after autumn, cut back Thalictrum Splendide’s stems to aid growth. As Thalictrum is self-seeding, cutting back the spent flower heads can prevent this.
Watering
Thalictrum Splendide enjoys moist soil, so water up to twice a week and be mindful of any extended periods of hotter weather and dry spells - your plant will need more water at this point.
Cold Protection
As Thalictrum dies back over the autumn and winter months, you will not need to put any cold protection measures in place. However, you may wish to mulch the soil to aid growth the following year.
Pests & Diseases
There are only two main concerns when it comes to Thalictrum Splendide: powdery mildew; and slugs. Look out for powdery white spots on the foliage as well as silvery lines and irregularly shaped holes. Powdery mildew is not fatal althoghit will seriously restrict the growth of your plant as a whole. Regularly check the foliage of your plant to keep an eye out for these indicators.
How to propagate Thalictrum Splendide
When it comes to Thalictrum Splendide, propagating by division is the best choice. You can do this every 3-4 years. The best time to divide the plant is in the autumn once the flowering period has ended.
Remember to wear gloves and protect your skin with longer clothing when interacting with Thalictrum as it can be irritating. Start by gently removing the parent plant from the soil. Use a sharp knife to gently pry away no more than ⅓ of the roots from the parent plant and keep this division to one side. Re-plant the parent as soon as you can. Add potting soil to a pot that will hold the roots while not restricting room for growth. Add the roots to the pot, lightly cover and tamp down the soil then water. Find a position outside that which benefits from partial sun and shade and plenty of shelter whilst the new plant establishes itself.
Water up to twice a week to keep the soil moist. Be careful not to waterlog the plant as it may not survive.
Common Thalictrum Splendide Questions
Is Thalictrum Splendide a perennial?
Yes, Thalictrum Splendide is perennial, alongside all members of the Thalictrum species. Perennials live longer than two years, are planted once and come back every year.
How do you plant Thalictrum Splendide?
You can plant Thalictrum Splendide from seed or bare roots.
Is Thalictrum Splendide (Meadow Rue) invasive?
Thalictrum Spelendide can (and will) self-seed, but it does not do so in a volume that is troublesome or invasive to neighbouring plants.