Thalictrum rochebrunianum 'Meadow Rue'

Despite its delicate appearance this lovely plant is nigh on indestructible. An upright, very architectural perennial, Meadow Rue is one of those low maintenance plants that reliably gives a great show every year.

Due to its airy nature, it forms a fairly see-through clump which is invaluable in a border as plants will not crowd out others, allowing them to grow up and through its delicate leaves, and as the flowers are held high they will not obscure other plants.

Thalictrum grows strongly in any reasonably well-lit border, even in the poorest soils and forms an airy cloud of tiny, pinkish-purple blooms on ferny foliage. The centre of each of the cupped flowers is filled with tiny yellow stamens, making them really stand out on a summer's day.

Spells of poor summer weather do not seem to bother it and the plants are fresh, healthy and colourful all year with an attractive pink tinge to the young spring growth.

A great plant for filling spacious borders and very nice as a cut flower in large floral vases.