Delavay's Meadowrue
thalictrum delavayi
Also known as: ["Delavay's Meadowrue"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial herb native to China, known for its delicate, feathery flowers and elegant foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Thalictrum |
| Botanical Name: | Thalictrum delavayi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; trim back growth annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, filtered afternoon light); adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled light or filtered shade in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust placement seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and mild frosts.
Protect from extreme heat and cold; maintain consistent temperatures; adjust care seasonally.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; water before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting just above a leaf node; trim back stems to the base for overwintering.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back leggy growth to maintain shape; cut down old foliage in late fall or early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; deadhead regularly; trim back in fall/spring; remove dead or damaged stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is saturated; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce frequency in winter to once every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature leaf drop in extreme heat; leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth during hard freezes; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the roots or seeds of Thalictrum delavayi. The toxic alkaloids can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Thalictrum delavayi roots and seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, mild neurological symptoms. The alkaloids present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThalictrum delavayi contains toxic alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract and, in rare cases, mild neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Thalictrum delavayi grow?
A: It typically reaches 4 to 6 feet in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, with protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its delicate foliage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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