Family: Ranunculaceae
Common Name: Meadow Rue

This genus includes 130 species of herbaceous perennials, mainly from northern hemisphere temperate areas, though some also occur in tropical America and Africa, and South Africa. The cultivated species are very decorative, with their fern-like foliage and delicate flowers, which mainly come in pink or purple, and sometimes yellow or white.

Species

T aquilegifolium, feathered columbine, zone 6, from Europe and northern Asia, grows to about 1 m (3 ft). Fluffy sprays of pinkish purple flowers appear in late spring to early summer amongst gray-green leaves, divided into toothed leaflets. A number of cultivars are available in flower colours of white, deep purple or deeper pink tones.

T. chelidonii , zone 7, a native of the Himalayas, grows to 1 m (3 ft) high. The mauve flowers, in late summer to early autumn, are a little larger than those of most species.

T. dasy­carpum, zone 6, from North America, is an upright grower, to about 2 m (6 ft). The stems are often purplish in colour, the leaves are promi­nently veined and hairy on the undersides, and the flowers are purple.

T. delavayi (formerly T. dipterocarpum), zone 7, from western China, grows to 1 m (3 ft), with fine, small, triangular leaves, sometimes tinged blue. Masses of nod-ding, lilac flowers, with prominent, yellow sta­mens, are borne in loose sprays in summer. Cultivar 'Album' has pure white flowers.

T. flavum, zone 6, from Europe and Asia, grows to just over 1 m (3 ft), with glossy, gray leaves divided into two or three leaflets, and fragrant, soft yellow, summer flowers.

Cultivation

Grow in sun or partial shade, and ensure that these plants are kept well watered, particularly during dry weather. They prefer a humus-rich soil that drains well. Propagate from seed sown in spring in a sandy compost, or by division of the clumps in late winter or spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.