Thalictrum delavayi Ankum - Meadow-rue

Thalictrum delavayi 'Ankum' is a taller variety ,up to 2 metres (7 feet), and more vigorous than its type discovered in Holland. Its spectacular dimensions do not detract from the lightness of its silhouette or the elegance of its summer flowers in clouds of small mauve flowers surrounding a delicate cluster of cream-yellow stamens.

Thalictrum delavayi, also known as Thalictrum dipterocarpum, is a perennial plant native of the Himalayan region of Asia, from eastern Tibet to western China, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is found in the wild at high altitudes, in forests, shrubs, and grassy slopes.

This variety of Meadow-rue 'Ankum' is a herbaceous perennial with an upright and erect habit, forming a bushy clump, from which stems rise, covered with dark purple, reaching a height of about 1.80 m (6ft), with a width of 60 cm (24in). Its deciduous foliage, glaucous green with a slight blue tinge, finely cut and very light, resembling that of a columbine, is composed of leaves 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14in) long, pinnate or ternate, with entire or trilobed leaflets. In July-August, large loose panicles appear, which are well-branched, formed by small star-shaped flowers, with four lilac sepals, enhanced by prominent stamens, of a beautiful buttery yellow shade.  Not liking the competition of nearby roots, a planting distance of 40 cm (16in) around its base should be allowed. Meadow-rues, which are quite slow to establish, will become more and more beautiful over time.

This Meadow-rue or Thalictrum delavayi 'Ankum' is the ideal plant to brighten and flower the damp and shaded areas of the garden in summer. With its height, delicate and elegant bluish-green foliage, as well as its airy appearance, it will be perfect to add height and lightness to flower beds. Despite its remarkable height, its transparent silhouette allows it to be positioned at the front of flower beds to create a unique effect. It will be very effective in contrast with less delicate perennials, as well as at the edge of shrub beds. It will naturally find its place alongside Hostas, Hydrangeas, Shrubby or Climbing Roses, Fuchsias, Japanese Anemones, Aconites, Astilbes, Bellflowers, Buckthorn, Snowberries, Ferns, Hellebores, Foxgloves, Grasses, Perennial Geraniums, Elderberry, Sacred Bamboo, etc.