Also known as Meadow Rue · 625 saves
Thalictrum
Thalictrum, the genus most gardeners know as meadow rue. We track 19 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Thalictrum varieties
Browse all 19 Thalictrum varieties →
6 species of Thalictrum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Thalictrum in Sow
Save the Thalictrum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Thalictrum
Whats common across all Thalictrum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 19 most-grown of them.
The Thalictrum year
- DivideMarch, April and October89% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 4-5 years in spring or fall
- StakeMay and June84% of varieties
Install stakes or use pea netting early for support of tall, airy stems
- Spring CleanupMarch74% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth begins
- MulchApril and November37% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to keep roots cool and conserve moisture
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
What goes wrong with Thalictrum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves, slime trails | Handpick at night or set slug traps |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Spray with water or insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply neem oil or copper fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Thalictrum
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Seed
- Collect ripe seeds from female plants in late summer.
- Sow seed into pots filled with moist seed-starting substrate.
- Provide cold stratification at 40°F for 60 days before moving to warm germination conditions.
- Pot up seedlings into individual containers once true leaves develop.
Thalictrum questions
How many types of Thalictrum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 19 distinct Thalictrum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 625 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Thalictrum grow in?
Across its varieties, Thalictrum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Thalictrum bloom?
Most Thalictrum varieties bloom in late spring, summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Thalictrum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.