Chinese Meadow-Rue
Thalictrum delavayi
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
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.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
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
Companion Plants
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
White Meadow-rue
Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Nimbus White'
White Meadow Rue
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Album'
Black Stockings Meadow Rue
Thalictrum thalictrum 'Black Stockings'
Yellow Meadow Rue
Thalictrum flavum 'True Blue'
Lavender Mist Meadow Rue
Thalictrum rochebrunianum 'Korean Form'
Hybrid Meadow Rue
Thalictrum x hybrida 'HH-03CH196'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
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.
