Guide to growing Feathered Columbine - Thalictrum
Plants of the Thalictrum genus are hardy perennials that range in height from 30cm to 2 metres.
They have an attractive foliage that may be toothed or lobed and they bloom in the summer, when Thalictrum carry fluffy flowers of purple, pink, white or yellow.
Some common names for Thalictrum include Feathered Columbine and Meadow Rue.
How to grow Feathered Columbine
It is best to grow feathered columbine from fresh seeds in the autumn or from divided plants in the spring. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3mm into flats, and the flat sank into a shady part of the garden. The flat should then be covered with glass and the soil kept moist.
Germination of Thalictrum species is a little hit and miss and may take fro two weeks to two years. Once seedlings are growing strongly transplant them in the autumn into a partially shaded part of the garden (they will grow fine in sunny areas in cool areas) with a spacing of between 15cm (small varieties) to 90cm (larger plants) apart. Ideally the soil that they grow in should be acidic (pH 5 to 6) and moist.
Caring for Feathered Columbine
It is fairly easy to look after members of Thalictrum such as feathered columbine and meadow rue. They should be mulched and lightly fertilized in the spring; the soil should be kept moist so water during dry periods. Large Thalictrum should be staked. Cut back the plants to ground level in the autumn. If you require more Feathered Columbine then they can be propagated by division at the start of spring.