Rue Anemone Anemonella thalictroides 'Amelia'
ABOUT
The plant Anemonella thalictroides 'Amelia', commonly known as rue anemone 'Amelia', is a charming and delicate woodland perennial. Its foliage is reminiscent of meadow rue with its finely dissected leaves that are light green in color, creating a soft, almost fern-like texture. The leaves are basal, meaning they grow at the base of the plant, creating a low mound of intricate greenery. The most striking feature of rue anemone 'Amelia' is its flowers, which bloom in spring. The blossoms are usually double or semi-double, imparting an extra fullness to their appearance. They are most often a soft pink in color, though they can sometimes appear nearly white, adding a sense of delicacy and elegance to the plant. The flowers have numerous, slender petals that radiate around a center of golden yellow stamens, providing a beautiful contrast to the pink petals. Altogether, rue anemone 'Amelia' is a dainty and attractive plant that brings a touch of woodland charm and a burst of spring color to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Rue Anemone, Windflower, Thalictrum Thalictroides.
Common names
Anemone thalictroides, Syndesmon thalictroides, Thalictrum anemonoides.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Anemonella thalictroides 'Amelia' is rue anemone. Rue anemone is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advised to avoid eating any parts of the plant.
To pets
Rue anemone is not commonly known to be highly toxic to pets, but as with humans, it can contain compounds that might lead to mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested by animals. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly drooling or anorexia. Care should be taken to prevent pets from eating this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds delicate beauty to gardens with its attractive, star-shaped flowers and fine-textured foliage.
- Native Species: Being indigenous to North America, Rue Anemone contributes to preserving regional floral diversity and supports local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Rue Anemone requires minimal care, making it an ideal plant for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for gardens with lower water availability.
- Shade Tolerance: Flourishes in shady conditions where other plants might struggle, making it perfect for woodland or shaded gardens.
- Deer Resistance: Known to be deer-resistant, which is beneficial for gardeners in areas with high deer populations.
- Early Bloomer: As one of the first plants to bloom in spring, Rue Anemone helps signal the end of winter and the start of the growing season.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of local pollinating insect populations.
- Ground Cover: Can serve as an attractive ground cover when planted in groups, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize the soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemonella thalictroides 'Amelia', commonly known as Rue Anemone, can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture programs to illustrate plant breeding and cultivar development.
- Rue Anemone can be employed in landscape photography, providing a delicate subject that can add depth and interest to woodland garden scenes.
- This plant can be used in fairy gardens for its ethereal blooms, creating a magical miniature landscape that captivates the imagination.
- This cultivar can serve as a natural food dye source, where the petals can give a subtle color to desserts and pastries when used in moderation.
- Rue Anemone can be utilized in artistic endeavors such as botanical drawing or watercolor painting, inspiring artworks that capture its intricate details.
- The plant can be a living ornament during springtime festivities, with its charming flowers adding natural beauty to Easter or spring-themed table settings.
- Rue Anemone is suitable as a study subject in ecology to understand the reproductive strategies of woodland ephemerals and their role in native ecosystems.
- The delicate appearance of the blooms can be used for crafting realistic sugar flowers for cake decoration, based on the flower's intricate aesthetic.
- Rue Anemone's blooms can be incorporated into pressed flower projects, making attractive bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art.
- The plant can be used in a nature-inspired wedding theme as part of bridal bouquets or table centerpieces, embodying the softness and freshness of spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rue Anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rue Anemone is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicacy: The Anemonella thalictroides 'Amelia', commonly known as Rue Anemone, has delicate, finely cut leaves and subtle flowers, often symbolizing a sense of finesse and exquisite beauty.
- Anticipation: As an early bloomer, often one of the first flowers to emerge in spring, Rue Anemone signifies the anticipation of new beginnings and the arrival of spring.
- Protection: In floral language, anemones sometimes represent a protective charm against ill wishes and harm, as they were believed in folklore to ward off evil.
- Fragility: The fragility of the Rue Anemone’s blossoms, which can be damaged by strong winds and late frosts, embodies the concept of life’s delicate and ephemeral nature.
WaterFor the Rue Anemone 'Amelia,' it is important to provide consistent moisture without overwatering. Water the plant thoroughly to ensure the soil is moist at a depth of at least 1 inch. In general, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon per square foot should be sufficient, but this can vary depending on soil type and weather conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to maintain soil moisture. Check the soil regularly; if the top layer feels dry to the touch, it is time to water again.
LightThe Rue Anemone 'Amelia' thrives in dappled sunlight or partial shade. It is ideal to place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light in the morning with protection from the intense sun in the afternoon. Too much direct sunlight can damage the foliage, so if you're planting outdoors, a spot under a deciduous tree that provides filtered light would be ideal. This plant is well-suited for woodland gardens where it can receive appropriate light conditions.
TemperatureRue Anemone 'Amelia' prefers moderate temperatures and will do best in conditions that mimic its natural woodland habitat. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but is happiest when temperatures range between 50°F and 70°F. This plant may struggle with the heat if temperatures consistently exceed 80°F, and it should be protected or provided with a cooler environment during extremely hot weather.
PruningPruning the Rue Anemone 'Amelia' is primarily about removing spent flowers and dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. Light pruning can be done after flowering to tidy up the plant. It is not generally necessary to prune this plant heavily. The best time for pruning is late fall or early spring, before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRue Anemone 'Amelia' prefers a soil mix with good drainage, rich in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat moss, and perlite. Aim for a soil pH around 5.5 to 6.5.
RepottingRue Anemone should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the current pot is filled with roots.
Humidity & MistingRue Anemone thrives in moderate humidity levels, around 50% is ideal for best growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAnemonella thalictroides 'Amelia', commonly known as Rue Anemone 'Amelia', emerges in early spring with delicate foliage reminiscent of its cousin Thalictrum (meadow rue). The plant develops from an underground tuber, which reserves energy to fuel the initial growth. It enters its blooming stage shortly thereafter, typically sporting pink or occasionally white flowers that attract early season pollinators. After flowering, the Rue Anemone 'Amelia' sets seed, which disperse to potentially grow new plants. Throughout summer, as temperatures rise, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the foliage dying back until the following spring. The lifecycle repeats annually, with the tuber surviving underground through the winter, even as the plant’s aboveground presence vanishes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Anemonella thalictroides 'Amelia', commonly known as rue anemone, is by division. The best time to divide this plant is in the fall, after the leaves have died back, or in early spring before new growth begins. During division, carefully lift the clumps from the ground, taking care not to damage the delicate tuberous roots. Each clump should be separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or bud. The divisions can then be replanted in a shady area of the garden, spaced approximately 6 to 12 inches apart (15 to 30 centimeters), and at the same depth they were previously growing. This allows the plants to establish in cooler temperatures while the soil is still moist, promoting better root development for the following growing season.
