Thalictrum 'Lavender Mist'

Thalictrum 'Lavender Mist': Towering, Airy and Totally See-Through

'Lavender Mist' is the tall one at the back who somehow doesn't block anybody's view. Clouds of tiny lavender flowers drift on violet stems like a fog machine at a very classy concert. AIRY, LOFTY, IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Thalictrum rochebrunianum 'Lavender Mist'
• Common Name: Meadow Rue
• Height: 120–180 cm (4–6 ft)
• Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Flowers: Loose sprays of small lavender to violet flowers with pale yellow stamens
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Fine, columbine-like, blue-green leaves on violet-purple stems
• Features: See-through height

Where to Plant: Put it at the back of a border, or use it as a see-through screen in front of a fence or shrubs. It suits woodland edges and cottage gardens with moist soil.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Lavender Mist' at the back of a moist bed in sun or part shade, where its airy sprays float over columbines and iris. Aquilegia Earlybird™ Mixture opens mixed columbines at 23 to 28 cm from May to July. Iris 'Black Joker' adds deep purple Siberian iris at 48 to 50 cm in May and June. Digitalis 'Dalmatian White' brings white foxglove spires at 90 to 120 cm in June and July. Molinia 'Variegata' arches at 60 to 80 cm in flower with cream-striped blades.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hot spots, since it dislikes intense heat and humidity. Water during dry spells and mulch to keep the roots cool. It comes up late in spring, so mark its spot. In exposed or windy sites, give the tall stems a stake early in the season. Cut it back in late fall. It may self-seed lightly. Divide in spring just as new growth appears.

History: Thalictrum rochebrunianum is a meadow rue from Japan, grown in North American and European gardens for its height and airy flowers. Nurseries widely sell it as 'Lavender Mist', though that name's origin isn't well documented.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, bee approved and easy to live with. Plant it behind shorter friends. LET IT HOVER.