Thalictrum delavayi seeds- (Meadow Rue)

Description

Thalictrum delavayi has beautiful, fine feathery foliage similar to a small aquilegia leaf , or perhaps a maidenhair fern leaf. Its clusters of mauve flowers are borne in panicles aloft on purple tinged stems  in an airy spray of misty lilac mauve.

Cut down stems as soon as flowering has completed. Divide the  plant every 2-3 years as soon as growth begins in spring, in order to maintain its strength. Large divisions can be replanted outside, smaller ones overwintered in a greenhouse for planting out the following spring.

Thalictrum are native to stream banks, shaded mountains, and moist meadows throughout most of the globe and thus they like dappled shade and moisture retentive soil , which is not waterlogged however. Most Thalictrum are late to emerge in mid to late spring, so take care not to disturb their crowns.

Sowing advice

Sow indoors immediately that you receive them at any time of the year. 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 15-28 days. Transplant when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Gradually acclimatise and plant out after 10-15 days with 45cm spacing.