Thalictrum 'BLACK STOCKINGS'

Meadow rue is a showy perennial with large leaves and striking inflorescence. Black Stocking is a hybrid of meadow rue with columbine-like leaves. They are 2-3 times pinnate, individual leaflets are rounded just like those on columbines, medium green with some blue-green hues.

In June, from the centre of the clump rise dark stems, deep wine red to almost black in colour (hence its name Black Stockings), bearing profusion of terminal clusters, composed of small, fluffy flowers of pale purple to magenta-pink colour. They look like tiny fireworks. Flowering stems can make a fantastic cut flower.

Meadow rue loves moist locations with humus-rich soil. It thrives both in full sun and partial shade. Avoid extremes like too wet soil and compacted ground that tends to dry out quickly in hot weather. It can be divided in spring every few years but young divisions can be a bit tricky to establish. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 09-01-2014