Plant Library

A hybrid combining foliage like T. rochebruneanum with flowers resembling T. aquilegifolium. Deep purple, fluffy flower heads appear on tall stems flushed with mahogany tones in late spring and early summer. The finely divided foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.

Plants are notably sturdy and do not require staking. This male form sets no seed, eliminating concerns about self-seeding and also making plants immune to aphid damage. Performs best in nutrient-rich soil with good moisture through summer. Combines effectively with aruncus and other tall perennials. Takes several years to reach full maturity. RHS Award of Garden Merit.

The tallest meadow rue, with stiff upright stalks that can reach three metres at an astonishing rate of growth. The stems develop diameters of nearly four centimetres at the base and are clothed with glaucous-gray, prominently veined leaves that become smaller toward the top where side branches form. Despite the height, plants require only moderate space at ground level.

Produces ninety-by-seventy-centimetre clouds of pale lilac flowers with yellow stamens in summer, creating an almost downy appearance from a distance. Foliage turns brilliant golden in autumn and skeletal stems provide winter interest. Plants stand solid without support in sunny locations and can function as a summer screen. Slowly clumps up after settling in. Long-lived and low maintenance. RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Pure white flowers appear in large, airy clouds on tall stems through summer, creating an effect of white bliss. The profusion of blooms and exceptional stamina match the lilac form, and plants similarly require staking to support the abundant display.

Performs well in moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. The pure white flowers create a striking effect and are excellent for cutting. Suitable for borders where the extended flowering period and impressive floral display justify providing support. Takes several years to reach maturity. RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Large, airy clouds of lilac flowers appear in profusion on tall stems through summer. The sheer multitude of blooms combined with exceptional stamina make this a standout despite requiring support. The flowers perform admirably in fresh bouquets, though untangling cut stems from the mass can be challenging.

Plants require staking but the reward is an impressive display of flowers that persist over many weeks. Thrives in moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Suitable for borders where the abundant flowering and extended bloom period justify the additional maintenance. Takes several years to reach maturity and full flowering vigor.

A shorter, more compact selection with dark mahogany-coloured stems that develop their best colour in direct sun. Dense, lightly fragrant heads of frothy white stamens appear in closely packed clusters in mid-spring, creating a striking display above the attractive foliage.

Plants are more compact than the species and maintain better proportions for smaller borders. The dark stems provide strong contrast with the white flower heads. Thrives in moisture-retentive soil with good drainage and benefits from full sun for best stem colouration. Native to central Europe. Takes several years to reach flowering maturity.

Fluffy, pure white flower heads appear on sturdy stems above clumps of apple-green foliage in late spring. The stems have a distinct purple-brown flush. This is a male form that does not set seed, eliminating self-seeding but resulting in stems that die back after flowering since no energy goes into seed production.

Best positioned at the back of borders where neighbouring plants can obscure its appearance in summer and autumn after flowering. Alternatively, flower stalks can be cut to the ground after blooming to allow other plants to fill the space. Thrives in moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Native to central Europe. Takes several years to reach maturity.