Meadow rue Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess'
ABOUT
Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess', commonly known as meadow rue, is a decorative perennial plant with a delicate and airy appearance. It features a clump-forming habit with numerous branched stems that give it a bushy and full look. The foliage of the Tukker Princess consists of soft-textured, lacy leaves that resemble those of a columbine or a maidenhair fern. The leaves are typically a deep blue-green color, contributing to the plant's ornamental value. The Tukker Princess meadow rue showcases tall, fluffy plumes of small, rosy-purple flowers. Each flower is composed of fine, thread-like petals that create a hazy, cloud-like effect. These flowers are favored for their soft pastel shades and the gentle sway they exhibit on breezy days. The plant has a feathery, almost frothy floral display that is both graceful and whimsical, delivering an ethereal quality to garden settings. Adding to its charm, the filigree flowers often have prominent, showy stamens that protrude, providing additional textural contrast against the finely dissected leaves. Despite its delicate appearance, meadow rue is a robust and hardy plant, contributing to its popularity among gardeners who seek to add a touch of elegance and fairy-tale allure to their garden compositions. The plant remains visually attractive even after the blooming period, as the seed heads and stems also have ornamental appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Meadow Rue, Columbine Meadow Rue.
Common names
Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess'
ToxicityTo humans
Thalictrum, commonly known as meadow rue, may contain toxic compounds, particularly in the roots and sap. While not commonly ingested due to its lack of popularity as a food source or medicinal plant, if consumed in large quantities, it could potentially cause digestive upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact with the sap may lead to irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to handle Thalictrum with care and to avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these potential health issues.
To pets
Meadow rue, upon ingestion by pets, could present similar toxicity risks as it does to humans. While detailed toxicity profiles for pets like dogs and cats are generally scarce, ingestion of significant amounts of the plant could potentially result in gastrointestinal distress evidenced by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possible abdominal pain. It is advised to keep pets away from meadow rue and seek veterinary care if accidental ingestion is suspected or if any symptoms of poisoning manifest.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess', commonly known as Meadow Rue, produces delicate, fluffy flowers that add a soft, ethereal beauty to any garden.
- Long Blooming Season: Meadow Rue has a prolonged blooming period, providing color and interest in the garden throughout the season.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Shade Tolerance: Meadow Rue can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it a great choice for woodland gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively low-maintenance, which makes it an excellent option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Disease Resistance: Meadow Rue is generally resistant to many common garden diseases, which ensures a healthier and more robust plant.
- Height and Texture: With its tall stems and feathery foliage, Meadow Rue adds height and interesting texture to garden borders or as a backdrop for other plants.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing can be a problem.
- Works Well in Cut Flower Arrangements: The blossoms of Meadow Rue hold up well in vases and can be used to create lovely floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Meadow rue's ethereal flowering structure provides a beautiful backdrop or subject for nature photographers seeking to capture the intricacies of plant life.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the delicate appearance of meadow rue as inspiration for botanical illustrations, paintings, or floral designs.
- Dye Production: Historically, some species of meadow rue have been used to produce natural dyes for textiles, though specific use by species can vary.
- Education: Meadow rue can be included in educational programs about native and ornamental plants, showcasing diversity of form and function in botanical life.
- Garden Structure: The tall and airy form of meadow rue can add vertical interest and a sense of structure in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: Meadow rue is valued for its late spring to early summer blooms, filling a niche in gardens between early spring and high summer flowering plants.
- Biological Studies: Meadow rue can be used in studies related to pollinator attraction and the ecological role of nectar producing plants.
- Winter Interest: After the blooming season, meadow rue's seed heads provide visual interest in the winter garden when many other plants are dormant.
- Crafts: Dried stems and flowers of meadow rue can be used in dried floral arrangements or other crafts to add natural elements to home decor.
- Companion Planting: Meadow rue can be used in planting schemes to provide a backdrop for other plants, accentuating their features and enhancing overall design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Meadow Rue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Meadow Rue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance: The Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess', commonly known as meadow rue, presents delicate, lacy foliage and graceful flowers, symbolizing refinement and a high sense of aesthetics.
- Subtlety: With its understated and soft blooms, meadow rue often stands for the subtle beauty that doesn't seek attention but instead brings a gentle touch of grace to its surroundings.
- Uniqueness: As the 'Tukker Princess' is a specific cultivar, it represents the idea of uniqueness and individuality in the plant world.
- Overcoming Challenges: Meadow rue can thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to rise above obstacles and adapt to different environments.
WaterMeadow Rue requires consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. A general guideline for mature plants is to provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week during the growing season. Monitor soil moisture regularly and adjust the amount of water according to the rainfall and the heat levels.
LightMeadow Rue thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. This plant does not do well in intense, direct sunlight, as it can lead to scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureMeadow Rue is hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler conditions. It performs well in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. The minimum temperature it can withstand is around -30°F, while the maximum temperature should not exceed 85°F consistently. Ideal growth occurs when the plant is in its preferred temperature range throughout the growing season.
PruningMeadow Rue should be pruned to remove dead or damaged foliage and spent flowers, which promotes healthy growth and prevents self-seeding if not desired. Pruning can be done after flowering or in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. It typically doesn't require frequent pruning, but doing so once a year or as needed can help maintain its shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMeadow Rue thrives in a fertile, well-draining soil mix. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts creates an ideal environment, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 to support healthy growth.
RepottingMeadow Rue typically does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted when it outgrows its container, usually every 2-3 years, to prevent crowding and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingMeadow Rue prefers moderate humidity. It is adaptable to typical garden conditions but ensures good air circulation to prevent too much dampness, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air flow.
Outdoor
Choose a partial shade location with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess', commonly known as Meadow Rue, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in early spring. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant with distinctive foliage, which then develops into a mature plant with tall, erect stems and fine, lacy leaves. During the spring or early summer, Meadow Rue blooms with small, delicate, purple or lavender flowers, which are often used in ornamental gardening for their aesthetic appeal. After pollination, typically by wind or insects, the plant produces fruits that contain seeds, ready to be dispersed for the next generation. Once the growing season concludes in late summer or fall, the plant enters a period of dormancy through winter, with the above-ground growth dying back, while the roots or rhizomes survive underground. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, the plant resumes growth, thus completing the cycle and starting it anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Thalictrum 'Tukker Princess', commonly known as Meadow Rue, can be effectively propagated through division which is usually the most popular method. The best time to divide this plant is in the spring as the new growth appears. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground, preferably using a garden fork to avoid damaging the root system. Gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of roots and a few shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally and water them thoroughly. This ensures a faster establishment and minimal stress to the plants. The divisions should start to grow quickly, given adequate moisture and light.
