How big does Meadow rue grow?

About 1 m × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 45–90 cm.

What soil does Meadow rue grow in?

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

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Meadow rue flower?

Flowering: May–July, purple, pink.

How much water does Meadow rue need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Meadow rue cost?

It sells for roughly €3.90 to €15 in local shops, depending on size.

Meadow rue

Thalictrum aquilegiifolium

Meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 50 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of 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

An airy, tall perennial with blue-green, columbine-like leaves and clouds of fluffy lilac flowers in early summer. It suits part shade and humus-rich soil that stays moist in summer, at the back of a border or in a naturalistic planting. In a hot, dry spot in full sun it soon looks tired, so plant it there only if you can water regularly.

Watch out for

Prone to powdery mildew in dry soil and dry summers, and slugs may eat the emerging leaves. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage scorches without watering and midday shade, and the plant may die back after flowering. It emerges late in spring, so mark its place. Wild plants are protected and must not be collected.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, purple, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	1 m × 50 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 45–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, purple, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
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	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €3.90

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
size not stated	approx. €3.90 – €15

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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