Thalictrum 'Cotton Candy'
meadow rue
A graceful and airy perennial, Thalictrum 'Cotton Candy' produces a cloud of soft, fluffy blooms that seem to hover on tall, slender stems from late spring to midsummer.
With finely divided, blue-green foliage forming an attractive mound that provides texture and substance well before the lavender-pink flowers appear, this hardy perennial is excellent for bringing movement and elegance to mixed borders.
Despite its delicate appearance, this vigorous cultivar is remarkably reliable, thriving in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade, where it lends a romantic, naturalistic charm to planting schemes.
With finely divided, blue-green foliage forming an attractive mound that provides texture and substance well before the lavender-pink flowers appear, this hardy perennial is excellent for bringing movement and elegance to mixed borders.
Despite its delicate appearance, this vigorous cultivar is remarkably reliable, thriving in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade, where it lends a romantic, naturalistic charm to planting schemes.
How to care for Thalictrum Cotton Candy:
Thalictrum thrives in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered. Plant it in a sheltered spot to protect the tall, delicate stems from strong winds and stake using plant supports made from natural materials (e.g. hazel or birch) before the flowers appear.
Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil. In autumn, cut back the flower stems to ground level to to tidy up and encourage healthy growth the following year. Regular deadheading during the season can also help prolong flowering.
Divide congested plants in early spring as new growth appears, though divisions may take time to settle.
Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil. In autumn, cut back the flower stems to ground level to to tidy up and encourage healthy growth the following year. Regular deadheading during the season can also help prolong flowering.
Divide congested plants in early spring as new growth appears, though divisions may take time to settle.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
