Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Black Stockings'
Black Stockings Meadow Rue
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 36 to 60 inches
- Width
- 18 to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Soft lavender pink fluffy flowers with prominent stamens forming airy clusters
- Foliage color
- Blue green finely divided foliage resembling columbine leaves on dark purple to nearly black stems
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate to consistent moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; stake taller stems if needed and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Black Stockings' produces airy mounds of finely divided blue green foliage that resemble delicate columbine leaves, creating a soft, lacy texture at the base of the plant. Dark purple to nearly black stems rise above the foliage in late spring to early summer, carrying loose clusters of lavender pink flowers composed of fluffy stamens that form cloud like plumes.
The species originates from woodland edges and moist meadows of Europe and Asia. In garden settings, 'Black Stockings' is valued for borders, woodland plantings, and cottage gardens, where the tall dark stems and light flowering clusters add vertical texture among perennials.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
