Thalictrum delavayi
Yunnan meadow rue
Western China (Yunnan, Sichuan) — named after the French missionary-botanist Pere Delavay
Overview
Thalictrum delavayi is the Yunnan meadow rue, growing 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide. The species was named after Pere Jean-Marie Delavay, the French missionary-botanist who collected extensively in Yunnan, China. Large airy panicles of flowers appear in July and August; each individual flower is composed of lavender-lilac petal-like sepals surrounding dangling yellow stamens, creating a bicolour lavender-and-yellow effect. The individual flowers dangle on hair-thin pedicels, swaying in the slightest breeze. The cumulative effect of hundreds of dangling bicolour flowers in airy panicles draws and holds attention. Blue-green finely divided ferny foliage. The tall wiry stems require staking or neighbouring plant support. Moist, humus-rich shade to part shade. Named cultivars 'Hewitt's Double' (fully double, pure lavender) and 'Splendide' (larger flowers) extend the range. Mildly toxic. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
Thalictrum delavayi is native to western China — Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.Suggested Uses
Used at the back of shade borders, in woodland gardens, and as a tall seasonal accent. The dancing bicolour flowers carry strong visual presence in summer borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering in July and August, approximately 5 weeks. Airy panicles of dangling lavender-and-yellow bicolour flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-lilac sepals with dangling yellow stamens, in large airy paniclesFoliage Description
Blue-green, finely divided, delicate, fernyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade. Moist, humus-rich soil. Stake or provide neighbouring plant support. Mildly toxic.Pruning
Cut all stems to ground after frost. Staking in spring prevents wind damage.Pruning Schedule
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F
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A
M
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J
A
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O
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fall