Thalictrum ‘Cotton Candy’ 1Gal

Latin Name: Thalictrum 'Cotton Candy' (Thalictrum rochebruneanum × T. delavayi hybrid)

Common Name: Cotton Candy Meadow Rue

Zones: 4–8 (sometimes listed 3–8)

Height & Spread: 4–6 feet tall, spreading 2–3 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A tall, airy, statuesque hybrid meadow rue valued for bringing a delicate, cloud-like texture and gentle vertical presence to the back of the border, without the visual heaviness of bolder perennials. Forms a clump of finely divided, blue-green foliage reminiscent of columbine or maidenhair fern, providing soft textural interest even before the plant flowers. In mid to late summer, tall, wiry, purple-tinged stems rise well above the foliage, branching into airy sprays of hundreds of small, fluffy, soft lilac-pink flowers with prominent yellow stamens, creating a hazy, cotton candy-like cloud of color that seems to float above the garden. The see-through, delicate flower display works beautifully layered in front of or behind other perennials without blocking the view. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, and a good draw for bees and butterflies. Best sited with some protection from strong wind given its height, and benefits from staking in exposed locations, though its wiry stems are naturally fairly sturdy. Performs best in part shade with rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil, tolerating more sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture. An excellent choice for the back of borders, cottage gardens, or woodland-edge plantings in part shade to full sun.