Thalictrum alpinium

Many gardeners will be familitar with the aquilegifolium and delavayi varieties of Thalictrum, tall and wispy looking beautiful in cottage gardens, but alpinium brings something different to our gardens.

A petite UK native perennial which forms a mound of blue-green, finely divided delicate green leaves which are almost like Maidenhair-fern on purple shaded stems. The short stems bear clusters of small flowers in late spring and early summer; each flower has a bell-shaped calyx of green purple sepals enclosing purple stamens tipped with yellow. Plant in rockeries, alpine pans or anywhere you can easily see these small beauties.

Sow Thalicturm alpinium seeds in modules during the autumn or very late winter.

Sow seed on the surface and cover lighly, keeping the top of the compost moist. Keep pot sheltered outdoors or in cold frame over winter do not provide additional heat as this will slow down germination, which can already be a lengthy process. Expect seeds to germinate by late winter / early spring.

Prick out seedlings into indivudal pots when they have developed true leaves, plant out in a moist spot in part shade in May.

Over time will develop into a clump approx. 50cm wide.

Cut back faded flower stems in late autumn or in spring before new growth starts emerging.

Be aware Thalictrum can be susceptible to slugs and powdery mildew, so protect plants if needed and ensure they are now overcrowded.