Thalictrum javanicum

Javan Meadow Rue Ranunculaceae

A handsome and rather unusual meadow-rue, Thalictrum javanicum is a tall, branching perennial with attractive, finely divided foliage and a distinctly airy habit. The leaves are 3- or 4-ternate, composed of rounded to elliptic, papery leaflets with toothed margins and characteristically three-lobed tips. Above them, branched sprays carry numerous small flowers, the many stamens giving the inflorescences their characteristic soft, hazy appearance.

Despite its specific name, javanicum has a remarkably wide distribution, extending from the Himalaya and China through India, Nepal and Sri Lanka to Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Our original stock was collected at Fang Jing Shan, at approximately 2050m, providing a particularly interesting provenance for this cultivated form. At this elevation it is found in cool, montane conditions, which may account for its excellent performance in the British climate.

A rewarding species for a woodland or semi-wild planting, where its height and open structure allow it to weave naturally amongst neighbouring perennials. It prefers a moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil and benefits from some shade, particularly in warmer conditions. The combination of elegant foliage, airy flowers and genuine wild provenance makes this an especially worthwhile species for the plant collector.

Height: 50–100cm
Spread: 40–60cm
Flowering: June–August
Position: Partial shade to light shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK