Thalictrum 'Cotton Ball'
meadow rue
A striking and statuesque perennial, Thalictrum 'Cotton Ball' captivates with its masses of soft, pompom-like white flowers that seem to float on effortlessly above the foliage on tall, dark stems. Blooming from late spring to midsummer, the fluffy blossoms create a luminous, cloud-like presence that brings height, movement and elegance to the border. Beneath the floral display, finely divided blue-green foliage forms an attractive, fern-like mound, adding textural interest throughout the growing season.
Robust and dependable, this meadow rue is ideal for naturalistic planting schemes, where it combines beautifully with grasses and other late-flowering perennials, lending a sense of lightness and sophistication to the garden.
Robust and dependable, this meadow rue is ideal for naturalistic planting schemes, where it combines beautifully with grasses and other late-flowering perennials, lending a sense of lightness and sophistication to the garden.
How to care for Thalictrum Cotton Ball:
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.
