Rue Anemone Anemonella thalictroides 'Kikuzaki White' (d)
ABOUT
The plant known as the Rue Anemone 'Kikuzaki White' has a delicate and charming appearance. It displays beautiful double, star-shaped white flowers that create a stunning display of symmetry. Each flower is composed of many layers of petite petals arranged in a rosette, giving it a full and lush look. The flowers emerge on slender stems that rise gracefully above the foliage. The foliage itself is soft green, resembling that of its namesake, the Anemone, with leaves that are finely divided into three lobes, contributing to an overall feathery texture. The plant exudes a gentle elegance, which is enhanced by the gentle sway of its blooms in the lightest of breezes. Its blooms are fleeting, but they make a memorable impression during their brief show in spring. The overall impression of the Rue Anemone 'Kikuzaki White' is one of a refined and airy beauty that adds a touch of whimsy to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rue Anemone, Windflower, Thalictrum Thalictroides.
Common names
Anemonella thalictroides (L.) Spach, Thalictrum thalictroides L., Anemone thalictroides (L.) Britton, Syndesmon thalictroides (L.) Hoffmanns.
ToxicityTo humans
Rue Anemone is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity, but it is generally not considered a significant risk. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingestion of ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities and the possibility of gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Similar to humans, Rue Anemone is not widely known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of specific information regarding its toxicity to animals such as dogs and cats. Ensuring pets do not consume the plant is still sensible, to prevent any unexpected reactions or gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Eases Garden Maintenance: Being a low-maintenance perennial, it requires minimal care once established in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide a source of nectar for bees and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination and a healthy ecosystem.
- Adds Aesthetic Appeal: With its delicate white flowers, 'Kikuzaki White' adds beauty and visual interest to any garden space.
- Shade Tolerant: It thrives in shady conditions, making it an ideal underplanting for wooded areas or shadowy garden spots.
- Seasonal Interest: It contributes to the garden's seasonal variety, blooming in early spring when few other plants do.
- Native Plant Advantage: Being a variation of a native species, it is adapted to local climates and tends to be more resilient and supportive of local wildlife.
- Compact Growth: Its small size and compact form make it suitable for rock gardens, borders, and small spaces.
- Companion Planting: 'Kikuzaki White' pairs well with ferns and other shade-loving perennials, allowing for diverse and complementary garden designs.
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 'Kikuzaki White', commonly known as Rue Anemone, can be used as a vibrant addition to a fairy or miniature garden due to its delicate appearance.
- The Rue Anemone's compact nature and attractive foliage make it a suitable choice for accentuating rock gardens, allowing for an enhanced naturalistic landscaping.
- Due to the plant's tendency to naturalize, it can be used to create an ethereal ground cover in shaded woodland gardens, offering a carpet of white in the spring.
- Rue Anemone's delicate blooms can be utilized as a living mulch around larger plants, which adds visual interest while helping to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
- The plant can serve as a seasonal gauge for gardeners, as the bloom time of Rue Anemone often indicates the onset of warmer spring weather and the best time to start planting frost-sensitive plants.
- Rue Anemone can be part of a sensory garden designed for the visually impaired, as its notable texture provides a contrast to smoother leaves, enhancing tactile experiences.
- The dried seed heads of Rue Anemone may be used in floral arrangements to add a textural dimension, contributing a rustic and natural element to the design.
- Its lower growing habit allows Rue Anemone to be used in layer planting, providing a structural base layer beneath taller, shade-loving perennials or shrubs.
- The small stature of Rue Anemone makes it ideal for tucking into container gardens where space is at a premium, yet without sacrificing the charm of spring blooms.
- The plant's affinity for damp habitats means it can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on shaded, moist slopes where other plants might struggle to thrive.
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- Anticipation and Expectation: Anemonella thalictroides, commonly known as rue anemone, is often indicative of anticipation and expectation because it is one of the early spring flowers that blooms, signaling the coming of warmer days and the start of a new growing season.
- Fragility: The delicate appearance of the rue anemone, with its soft and tender petals, represents the fragility of life and the beauty in delicate things.
- Protection: In ancient times, anemones were believed to ward off evil and were used as protective charms, which is an aspect that may carry over to the symbolism of rue anemone due to its similar name and appearance.
WaterRue anemone should be watered regularly, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. As a general guideline, water rue anemone with about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary. In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent the roots from rotting.
LightRue anemone thrives in light shade to partial sun. The ideal spot for this plant is under the dappled shade of open woodland areas, where it receives filtered sunlight. Avoiding intense midday sun is beneficial as it can cause leaf scorch, whereas deep shade may result in poor flowering.
TemperatureRue anemone prefers a cooler climate and does well in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, which makes it suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Providing mulch during the coldest months can help protect the plant from freezing temperatures.
PruningPruning rue anemone is generally not required, as the plant maintains a neat form naturally. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired. Cleaning up dead foliage at the end of the season helps maintain a tidy appearance and reduces the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRue Anemone prefers a well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Humus-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal to maintain healthy growth. A mixture of equal parts garden soil, leaf mold or peat moss, and sharp sand or perlite can provide the appropriate conditions for 'Kikuzaki White'.
RepottingRue Anemone should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Care must be taken not to disturb the roots excessively during repotting as they are delicate.
Humidity & MistingRue Anemone thrives in moderate humidity levels, typical of its native woodland habitats. While it does not require high humidity, a level around 50% is beneficial for 'Kikuzaki White'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Dappled shade, moist, rich soil, cool to temperate.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAnemonella thalictroides 'Kikuzaki White,' commonly known as Rue Anemone, begins its life as a seed, which upon germinating in suitable moist, shaded conditions, develops into a small seedling. The plant then progresses to a vegetative stage, producing delicate, trifoliate leaves and establishing its root system, often forming tuberous structures for nutrient storage. As it matures, Rue Anemone enters the flowering stage, typically in early spring, where it produces clusters of white, multi-petaled flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the plant produces small, dry fruits (achenes) that are dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the late spring to summer months when above-ground foliage dies back and the plant survives underground with its tuberous roots. Each year the cycle repeats, with the plant re-emerging from dormancy to grow, flower, and reproduce once more.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Rue Anemone 'Kikuzaki White' is commonly propagated by division, a method which is usually performed in the fall after the plant has died back or in early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you do not damage the rhizomes. Gently separate the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with at least one growth point. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing initially, spacing them approximately 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the divisions well after planting to help establish them. This method allows for relatively quick multiplication of plants and maintains the genetic integrity of the cultivar.
