Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Black Stockings'

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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Black Stockings'

Black Stockings Meadow Rue

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate to consistent moisture

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)