1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Thalictrum delavayi, also known as Delavay's meadow-rue, is a perennial herb notable for its delicate, feathery foliage and airy clusters of small, lavender-purple flowers. It thrives in moist, shaded gardens.
The flowers have showy, lilac-purple sepals and contrasting drooping yellow stamens, creating a beautiful, hazy effect in the garden. Its delicate, lacy foliage is also highly ornamental.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36"
Width
24"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with partial shade and well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds just below soil surface and water gently.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Transplant seedlings when they are strong enough, typically in early spring.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Pro Tip
Provide consistent moisture and avoid overwatering for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season to prevent weak, tender growth
- Refrain from heavy pruning during late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chinese Meadow-Rue questions
What zones can Chinese Meadow-Rue grow in?
Chinese Meadow-Rue is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chinese Meadow-Rue deer resistant?
Yes — Chinese Meadow-Rue is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chinese Meadow-Rue bloom?
Chinese Meadow-Rue typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chinese Meadow-Rue need full sun?
Chinese Meadow-Rue does best in part shade.
More Thalictrum to compare
Nimbus White Meadow-rue
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Nimbus White'
Album White Meadow Rue
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Album'
Tall Meadow-rue
Thalictrum polygamum
True Blue Yellow Meadow Rue
Thalictrum flavum 'True Blue'
Black Stockings Meadow Rue
Thalictrum thalictrum 'Black Stockings'
Hybrid Meadow Rue
Thalictrum x hybrida 'HH-03CH196'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Chinese Meadow-Rue with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.