Thalictrum Delavayi Hewitt’s Double

The Thalictrum Delavayi Hewitt’s Double differs considerably from the majority of the Thalictrums grown in our gardens

Performance in our garden

This Thalictrum was grown in our Cheshire garden.  I tried it several times in our Aberdeen garden where it did flower, however it was more robust in Cheshire.

Planted in the main centre border of the back garden where it received full sun, Hewitt’s Double in spite of being six feet  (180cm) tall did not look out of place.

Support with a single cane was sufficient in preventing this giant from toppling over.

Planted in the Spring of 2014, Hewitt’s Double strengthened in the three seasons.

Now we are back in Scotland, living in East Fife, will we give this Thalictrum a chance to grace the garden,  probably not.

The truth is we now have a very small garden which is going to require a great deal of planning.  I somehow think more formality than our usual style will be in order, not really sure at this stage.

However, given the right garden and positioning, I would have no hesitation in recommending     Thalictrum Delavayi Hewitt’s Double.

Plant profile

The Thalictrum Delavayi Hewitt’s Double is a mid/late Summer flowering perennial.

With sprays of purple/lilac blooms, you would be forgiven for thinking this plant was a form of Gypsophila  rather than a Thalictrum.

I guess I have been more familiar over the years with forms of Thalictrum aquilegiifolium.

Hewitt’s double with its very fine blue/green leaves also brings to mind the maidenhair fern.

As I mentioned earlier, Hewitt’s double struggled in our Aberdeen garden.  I at first thought it may have been the acidic soil, however, it seems that this plant does cope with alkaline and acidic conditions well enough.  I guess the milder conditions in Cheshire suited it.

Growing it in a sunny position and not allowing the plant to dry out worked well for us, although it is said to also fair well in a semi-shaded spot

Hardiness – fully hardy in most parts of the UK.( May struggle in the most northerly areas)

Position – full sun/part shade

Height –  5/6ft/ 150/180cm

flowering – july/august

Soil – any well-drained soil enriched with garden compost.

Common name – chinese meadow rue

Mail order – this mail order company would suggest that it may well thrive in some northern parts.

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More news on our move back to Scotland

I made a start on this post a few weeks ago and had to give up as the work involved in moving and getting settled in was taking its toll.

The interior of the house is now complete and looking hunky dory.

Time to get going with the garden. My instructions for the front,  involves creating a garden with a distinct Japanese feel to it.

This will be achieved by following a regime handed out by, well you know who.

The back garden as you can see, is small. A few crooks and crannies with container plants will add a bit of interest.

The front drive is unusually massive for a new build.

I am now no longer able to drive due to the deterioration in my eyesight. I knew this was coming at some point, perhaps a bit sooner than I had bargained for.

On the upside, we will turn the upper part of the drive into a courtyard garden.

Well, I have made a start on the garden and will give an update on my next post.

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