How big does Chinese meadow rue grow?

About 1.5 m × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.8 m × 45–60 cm.

What soil does Chinese meadow rue grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous.

Is Chinese meadow rue hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Chinese meadow rue flower?

Flowering: July–September, purple, pink.

How much water does Chinese meadow rue need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Chinese meadow rue

Thalictrum delavayi

Chinese meadow rue (Thalictrum delavayi) is a perennial that reaches 1.5 m × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €8.

Illustration of Chinese meadow rue — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tall, airy perennial: above columbine-like, finely divided foliage it lifts a cloud of tiny lilac flowers on thin purplish stems about 1.5 m high from midsummer. Besides the species, this group includes the double 'Hewitt's Double', white 'Album', 'Ankum', the even taller hybrids 'Splendide', 'Splendide White' and 'Elin' that can reach 2 m, and the similar, sturdier-stemmed Thalictrum rochebruneanum. Plant it at the back of a border in moist, humus-rich soil, part shade and shelter from wind, and expect to stake it.

Watch out for

The thin, tall stems flop or tangle in wind and rain, so they need staking or the support of neighbouring plants. It copes badly with hot, dry summers: in Central Europe it needs part shade, mulch and watering in drought, and in dry spots it gets powdery mildew and scorched foliage. It emerges late in spring, and a newly planted or divided clump takes a year or two to build up. Rust occurs occasionally.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, purple, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–1.8 m × 45–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, purple, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €8

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €8

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators

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