Meadow Rue Thalictrum 'Elin'
ABOUT
Thalictrum 'Elin' is a striking perennial known for its fine-textured foliage and graceful floral display. The plant's leaves are attractively blue-green in color and resemble those of a columbine, with a delicate, lacy quality that adds a light, airy feel to the garden. The foliage forms an elegant mound, which serves as a lush backdrop for the tall, airy clouds of flowers it produces. The tiny individual flowers of Thalictrum 'Elin' are quite unique; they lack true petals and instead feature an abundance of long, showy stamens that give them a fluffy, feathery appearance. The stamens are usually a lavender or pale purple color, with a soft, yellowish-white center composed of the flower's carpels, providing a lovely two-tone effect. As the plant comes into bloom, it creates a mist-like effect with its small, delicate flowers clustered atop slender, branching stems that sway gently with the breeze. This gives the plant a somewhat ethereal quality, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy to their plantings. The flowers are borne in loose, branching clusters that can give the plant a cloud-like appearance when viewed from a distance. The overall impression of Thalictrum 'Elin' is one of refined beauty and grace, and it adds both visual interest and texture to the garden space it inhabits.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Elin Meadow Rue, Elin Thalictrum
Common names
Thalictrum 'Elin'
ToxicityTo humans
Meadow rue (Thalictrum 'Elin') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is generally recommended not to consume any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for adverse reactions or the presence of compounds that have not been thoroughly researched for human consumption.
To pets
Meadow rue (Thalictrum 'Elin') is not widely documented as a toxic plant to pets. However, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as individual animals may have sensitivities or there may be unknown toxicities. If ingestion occurs and there is a concern, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Thalictrum 'Elin', commonly known as Meadow Rue, has elegant, bluish-green foliage that adds a delicate texture to garden landscapes.
- Tall Flowering Stalks: It produces tall, graceful flowering stalks that can provide vertical interest in a garden setting.
- Showy Flowers: The plant boasts small, lavender or purple flowers with prominent yellow stamens during the summer months, adding a splash of color to gardens.
- Beneficial to Pollinators: Meadow Rue attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistant: It is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, which can be beneficial in drier climates or during water restrictions.
- Shade Tolerant: Thalictrum 'Elin' can thrive in partial shade conditions, offering a solution for garden spaces that receive limited direct sunlight.
- Cutting Garden Addition: The tall, slender stalks and attractive flowers make it a beautiful addition to cutting gardens for use in bouquets and arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Meadow Rue can be used as a natural dye, lending a subtle green hue to fabrics when the leaves are processed correctly.
- As a floral photography subject, its delicate foliage and unique flower formations make it a beautiful object for macro photography enthusiasts.
- In art, the distinctive look of Meadow Rue can serve as inspiration for botanical illustrations and watercolor paintings.
- Tall varieties like 'Elin' can serve as a natural screen or privacy barrier in a garden when planted in a row or cluster.
- Their strong stems allow them to be used in wind chimes or garden mobiles when dried, producing gentle sounds as the breeze passes through.
- Meadow Rue may be incorporated into perfumes, providing a green, fresh scent note when its leaves or flowers are distilled.
- The plant's structure can offer support for climbing plants when grown together, making them a potential living trellis.
- Pressed Meadow Rue flowers can be used in crafts like bookmark making or resin jewelry, emphasizing their intricate shapes.
- Their tall, striking appearance can be used in thematic gardens such as fairy or enchanted garden designs to create a whimsical atmosphere.
- For educational purposes, Meadow Rue can be used to demonstrate the life cycle of plants from germination to seed dispersal, including pollinator interactions.
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- Delicacy: Thalictrum 'Elin', commonly known as Meadow Rue, often symbolizes delicacy with its fine, lace-like foliage and subtle purple flowers.
- Elegance: The elegant stature and graceful flowers of Meadow Rue can represent a sense of refinement and sophistication.
- Good Luck: Some gardeners may regard Meadow Rue as a bringer of good luck due to its charming appearance and the idea that a tranquil garden space invites positivity.
- Spirituality: With its ethereal quality, Meadow Rue is sometimes associated with spiritual themes, possibly related to the enhancement of one's garden as a place of meditation or contemplation.
WaterMeadow Rue requires moderate watering, typically about 1 inch per week, either from rainfall or by hand. It prefers soil that is moist but well-drained, so it's important not to overwater and risk root rot. During the growing season, water thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. If rainfall is insufficient, provide supplementary water. Reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant in the fall.
LightMeadow Rue thrives in partial to full shade, so it's best placed in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight or only morning sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little can inhibit flowering. An ideal location would provide a few hours of indirect light, maintaining the cool, shade-like conditions the plant naturally prefers.
TemperatureMeadow Rue prefers a temperature range between 50 and 75 Fahrenheit. It can tolerate colder climates, surviving temperatures as low as 20 Fahrenheit, which makes it suitable for many temperate regions. Avoid exposing the plant to prolonged temperatures over 80 Fahrenheit, which can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Meadow Rue to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged stems, typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning encourages healthy growth and can help prevent disease by increasing air circulation. Prune sparingly, only as necessary to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMeadow Rue 'Elin' prefers a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to enrich the soil and ensure good drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand.
RepottingMeadow Rue 'Elin' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new soil before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingMeadow Rue 'Elin' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%. It can tolerate lower humidity, but the foliage may not be as lush.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Meadow Rue 'Elin' in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant Meadow Rue 'Elin' in partial shade; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThalictrum 'Elin', commonly known as Meadow Rue, begins its lifecycle as a seed which, when sown into well-drained soil and exposed to light, will germinate. The seedling stage follows, where the plant develops true leaves and establishes a small root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Meadow Rue experiences rapid growth, producing tall stems and large, lacy, blue-green foliage. The plant then reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, typically in early to mid-summer, showcasing tall, purplish or creamy spikes of small, feathery flowers. After pollination, often by wind or insects, it sets seed, which ripens and is dispersed from the parent plant. Finally, in the dormant stage during the cold season, the above-ground parts of Thalictrum 'Elin' die back, while the root system remains alive to regenerate the plant in the following growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Thalictrum 'Elin', commonly known as Meadow Rue, is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed. To propagate by seed, the best time is in autumn, directly after the seeds have matured. Simply collect the seeds from the spent flower heads and sow them directly into a cold frame or into pots and place them outside to benefit from the winter cold. This process, known as stratification, will help break the seed dormancy. The seeds require light for germination, so they should be only lightly covered with soil or simply pressed into the surface. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, usually in spring, they can be pricked out into individual pots and grown on until they are large enough to be planted out in their final positions.
