A celebrated and exceptional species from near Lichang in Yunnan Province-in fact in the same area that Jean Marie Delavay himself explored. Providing an airy spectacle of yellow stamens enclosed by relatively large purple sepals in mid-to late summer, on stems carrying very finely textured blue-green foliage it is indeed a superb garden addition.

Soft and yet dramatic in effect, clouds of pastel lavender and cream foamy flowers top very tall, sturdy purplish-black stems in late summer. The blue-green foliage is light and dainty and harkens to its family relationship to Aquilegia, especially in spring as it emerges. Overall, members of this genus are very pretty even when not in flower, and lend a contrasting texture to the border. This hybrid between Thalictrum flavum glaucum and T. rochebrunianum sets no seed, extending its flowering period. Prefers soils that are organically-enriched, consistently moist and appreciates some shade from the hottest sun of the day.

Seductive and statuesque, this selectionÆs long, thin ebony stems reach upward for vertical drama. Airy puffs of small, delicate ever so pink flowers are borne on tightly branching panicles. Blooming from late spring into midsummer, here is a welcome presence in the back of the perennial border or at the edge of a woodland clearing. For best results, place it in a partially shaded spot with rich soil. If kept sufficiently moist, the plants will tolerate a bit more sun.

Majestic columns of rich smoky lavender-pink blooms rise skyward like sparks from a fire. Provides extremely long flowering in full sun or partial shade. This choice cultivar often surpasses the typical 5 feet in our garden; needs staking if grown in rich soil.

An Eastern European native meadow rue species that bears the classic clean and dainty bluish-green foliage and soft, airy panicles of puffy little lilac-pink flowers. Combines dainty and eye-catching in one graceful and tall perennial! Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants; as in songbirds, the male plants are showier, with larger panicles. Thrives in moister than average soils and prefers a bit of shade from the hottest sun of the day.

I am most impressed with the outrageously good textural quality this species offers, the fine texture provided by curiously squared, small leaflets held along compound leaves on stems to 6 ft., capped in early summer by a froth of greenish yellow flowers. For foliage texture alone, I would not be without this plant, growing in our full-sun perennial borders, in well-draining soil.