Thalictrum aquilegifolium seeds – (French Meadow Rue)

Description

Thalictrum aquilegifolium is a very beautiful perennial. It has a basal mound of fine lacy  bluish- green foliage that appears similar to an aquilegia.

The flower stems  which are produced in late spring and early summer are topped with large panicles of lavender -pink to white  fuzzy flowers. The white form is pictured.

Thalictrum is tolerant of warm humid summers, and prefer a rich soil which is moist.  It enjoys dappled sun, but is fairly tolerant  and will take partial shade. If it is kept moist it will tolerate full sun.

It is an easy care plant, and if the seed is sown early enough in the season it will flower in the same year.

Thalictrum aquilegifolium produces flower stems that rise above the foliage in late spring to early summer and are topped by a hazy, fuzzy show of purple flowers.
Despite their delicate appearance, Thalictrum is fairly tolerant of warm, humid summers.

They prefer a rich, humus rich soil on the moist side and dappled to partial  shade, but will grow reasonably well in most borders if the soil is moisture retentive. In warm regions plants will tolerate full sun if kept moist.   Clumps may be easily divided in spring when growth commences, and it is wise  to divide it every 2-3 years to renew its strength.

In midsummer, they add a lovely, gentle effect when combined with larger flowered plants and provide an excellent contrast to more architectural plants. They produce a shimmering hazy effect in beds and borders, and both leaves and flowers are good for flower arrangements.

Sowing advice

Sow indoors in spring and summer depending on your temperature range. Sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover the seed with vermiculite or soil. Ideal temp. 13-16°C. Keep soil moist but not wet at all times. Germination takes 15-21 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Gradually acclimatise and plant out after 10-15 days with 45cm spacing.