Meadow rue ∗ The 10 best planting and care tips

origin

The genus of the meadow rue with the Latin name Thalictrum comprises between 120 and 200 species that are distributed worldwide. The buttercups have their main distribution in the temperate climate zones. Meadow rue is found in North America, China, and Europe. They grow in the lowlands and climb altitudes of up to 900 meters.

Their shape is reminiscent of columbines. Outside of the flowering period, meadow rue is easy to confuse with the closely related species. Around seven species are cultivated in gardens, including the native columbine

Meadow rue, which has the botanical name Thalictrum aquilegifolium.

growth

Meadow rue are herbaceous plants that grow for several years with the help of underground perennial organs. The rhizomes and tubers can become lignified. During their growing season, the plants develop into magnificent perennials that can reach heights of 180 centimeters.

leaves

Thalictrum species develop both basal and deciduous leaves. These are arranged alternately on the stem. The lower leaves are divided into blade and stem. Upper stem leaves are sessile and sit directly on the stem axis. The leaf blade appears to be pinnate to four times. Their leaflets are rounded, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped and deeply cut at their tips. Few species develop undivided leaf blades.

blossom

Meadow diamonds form single flowers or inflorescences that can have between two and 200 small flowers. In most species, the inflorescences grow terminally. Their shape is very variable. They can be up to 40 centimeters long.

The flowers are hermaphroditic or unisexual and appear radial symmetry. They consist of a simple flower envelope, which is composed of four to ten bracts. These are inconspicuously greenish-yellow or strikingly purple to pink in color. In many species, the bracts fall off early. The flowering period extends from July to August.

fruit

After the flowering period, meadow rues develop aggregate fruits that contain numerous nuts. Some of the nuts are beaked. These structures are used for anchoring. The fruits get caught in the fur of animals.

use

The graceful plants are suitable for perennial borders in partially shaded locations. Here the delicate flowers provide subtle accents. They are well suited as leading perennials, which are fringed with smaller species. As a foreground planting of dark woods, meadow rue cuts a fine figure. Meadow rue will grow in sunny beds if the soil provides enough moisture.

The native species comes into its own in natural gardens. It is suitable for planting bee pastures and decorates the banks of garden ponds. The humid microclimate favors the growth of the herbaceous plants.

Good neighbors:

• Gold piston
• Rodgersien
• Ornamental grasses

Edible

The Akeleiblättrige meadow rue can easily be planted in gardens where children or pets play. The buttercup plant is used for the preparation of teas.

Which location is suitable?

A place in partially shaded and shady locations is ideal. Meadows and forest edges come close to the natural habitat. Meadow rue prefer cooler temperatures.
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What soil does the plant need?

The plants feel comfortable on a nutrient-rich substrate that has a high proportion of humus Has. Meadow rue thrives on calcareous soils. You are dependent on fresh conditions and feel comfortable in high humidity. A dry subsurface impairs growth. The Chinese meadow rue has the highest tolerance threshold for drought.

The correct planting distance

When planting, orientate yourself on the expected dimensions of the respective species. Each meadow rue has different space requirements. The native species tolerates a distance of at least 40 centimeters to the next specimen.

What is the best time to plant?

Thalictrum species are planted in spring when they have developed several leaves. This early planting time gives the buttercups enough time to grow until the first winter.

Propagate meadow rue

Since some meadow rues develop underground rhizomes and runners with which they reproduce vegetatively, dense stands of plants emerge after a few years. These can be dug up and divided in the spring to plant in a new location. Alternatively, you can divide the plants immediately after flowering in summer. The division is not required for tapering. Meadow diamonds are long-lived and are always more beautiful when they are allowed to grow undisturbed.

sowing

The plants like to sow themselves from seeds. These can be used for targeted reproduction. This method of propagation is more promising than other measures. To do this, collect the nut fruits in autumn.

Fill a growing container with a mixture of peat and sand. Scatter the seeds on the substrate and lightly cover them with sand. Then the earth is moistened and the planter is covered with foil. The cultivation vessel is placed in a sheltered place outside, where it spends the entire winter. Check the substrate moisture regularly. After the cold stimulus, the seeds germinate the next spring at temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. They need partial shade conditions.

Cold treatment in the refrigerator:

• Fill the freezer bag with sand
• Scatter seeds and seal the bag
• store in the refrigerator for four to six weeks
• Regularly check the moisture of the substrate

Cuttings

In early summer you can cut cuttings from a sturdy mother plant that are ten to 15 centimeters long. Remove the lowest leaves and place the shoots in a seed container filled with peat and sand. The cuttings develop fresh roots in a protected and partially shaded location.

Meadow rue in a pot

Meadow rue is suitable for planting in pots if you do not have a garden. You need a sufficiently large container that is filled with humus substrate. There should be a drain hole in the floor. Although meadow rue prefers fresh to moist conditions, the substrate should not become wet. The bucket is placed in a partially shaded location. Meadow diamonds are not suitable for indoor cultivation. They like airy conditions and high humidity.

Water the rue

Thalictrum species enjoy regular watering so that the substrate offers constantly moist conditions. The plants are sensitive to dry periods. During the summer, you should regularly check the substrate. The plants need new water before the top soil layer has dried out. That Mulching is difficult to achieve with the dainty plants because the stalks break off quickly.

Fertilize meadow rue properly

The buttercups have a medium nutritional requirement. It is sufficient if you add compost to the substrate in the spring before the new leaves appear. You can use the guideline value of one to two liters of compost per square meter as a guide. This amount is sufficient for one growing season. The plants do not need to be fertilized again until the following spring.

Cut the rue correctly

When the rue has faded, it can be cut back generously. The basal leaves should remain standing so that the plant can maintain its metabolism. After a short time, the plant sprouts again and develops fresh leaf clusters.

As soon as the above-ground parts of the plant have died in autumn, they can be completely removed. If you don't cut off the withered leaves, the next spring they will be broken down by microorganisms in the soil. This supplies the rhizomes with fresh nutrients.

How do I transplant properly?

Since meadow rues can be divided without any problems, complete transplanting is also possible. This measure is recommended in spring, before fresh leaves appear. Dig the tubers out of the ground and plant them in the new location that was previously improved with compost. They should be watered thoroughly.

Overwinter

The buttercups do not need any additional protection in winter. The rhizomes are hardy and can withstand sub-zero temperatures in the double-digit range without any problems. If you cultivate the plants in the tub, you should pay attention to appropriate winter protection. So that the tubers do not rot, the substrate should not become wet. Protect the bucket from snow and rain.

How to overwinter potted plants:

• wrap with foil
• Equip the spaces with straw and leaves
• Place the bucket on a wooden block

lice

If the location is too shady or the substrate does not provide enough moisture, aphids will spread on the leaves of the meadow rue. They pierce small holes in the fine leaves with their pointed mouthparts to suck out the sap. The infested leaves get yellowish spots and die off if the infestation is severe.

Aphids can be combated with home-made plant liquors. These are sprayed directly onto the leaves. Nettle manure helps prevent aphid infestation. It strengthens the plant and makes it more resistant to the pests. Be careful not to overlook the plants overfertilize. An excess of nitrogen in the juice makes the plant more attractive to aphids.

Fungal attack

Powdery mildew occasionally spreads in dry and warm conditions. This fungus leaves a velvety lawn on the leaves that is easy to wipe off. Affected leaves should be removed to prevent the spores from spreading further. Pay attention to suitable site conditions. Well-ventilated plants and a humid microclimate offer the real thing mildew no suitable living conditions.

sorts

• China meadow rue: panicle-shaped inflorescences with light purple flowers. Blooms between July and September. Up to 180 centimeters high.
• Magnificent meadow rue: panicle-shaped inflorescences with red-violet flowers. Blooms from July to August. Growth height up to 120 centimeters.
• Thundercloud: Blooms from May to July with purple to pink flower panicles. Between 70 and 90 centimeters high.