Thalictrum delavayi is a graceful, airy perennial that brings height and movement to the garden. Its delicate, fern-like grey-green foliage forms a soft mound, from which upright, dark-purple stems emerge, topped with fluffy sprays of lilac flowers from midsummer to early autumn.

The nodding blooms create a cloud-like effect, adding a light, ethereal quality to garden plantings. Ideal for the back of a herbaceous or mixed border, it contrasts beautifully with bolder, coarser-leaved plants.

Thriving in moist, humus-rich soil, meadow rue prefers partial shade but will tolerate sun if the soil remains consistently damp.

This low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding texture, vertical and architectural interest, and a touch of elegance to cottage-style gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.