Cotton Ball Meadow Rue

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-6 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 7

Cotton Ball Meadow Rue (Thalictrum hybrid ‘Cotton Ball’) brings height and softness to the perennial border without taking up much ground space. Airy white, pompom-like flowers rise above a neat column of finely divided green foliage in early to midsummer. The blooms hover on dark, slender stems, creating striking contrast with the leaves and flowers. Mature plants reach about 38 to 42 inches tall and just 18 to 24 inches wide and are ideal for narrow beds or layered plantings. We often rely on Cotton Ball when a design calls for vertical texture that feels light rather than bulky.

This meadow rue forms an upright clump with a refined, almost fern-like leaf structure at the base. It is not fragrant, but its long-lasting flowers attract bees and butterflies and hold well in cut arrangements. Deer and rabbits typically avoid it, and established plants are dependable in Zones 5 through 8. Though meadow rues are native across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, this hybrid selection was bred for garden performance and sturdier stems. Use it in cottage gardens, prairie-inspired plantings, or as a “thriller” in large mixed containers where height is needed without heaviness.

Cotton Ball Meadow Rue Care

Plant in full sun in cooler regions; in warmer climates, provide afternoon shade or dappled light to prevent stress. Cotton Ball performs best in average to fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, roughly 6.0 to 7.0, supports strong growth. Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, supplying about an inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Apply compost in spring or use a light, balanced fertilizer as new growth emerges if soils are lean.

Deadheading can tidy the plant and may encourage a modest flush of additional blooms. After flowering, thinning a few stems at the base improves air circulation and helps prevent flopping. In fall, once foliage declines, cut stems back to ground level. In colder regions, apply a winter mulch layer to protect the crown from freeze-thaw cycles.

Cotton Ball Meadow Rue Spacing

Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow airflow and room for the upright clump to mature. For a fuller look in borders, plant in small groups so the stems can subtly support one another.

When growing in containers, select a pot at least 16 to 18 inches wide and deep to accommodate the root system. Pair with moisture-loving companions such as astilbe or hosta for shade combinations, or combine with compact ornamental grasses and dwarf echinacea in sunnier settings. Choose partners with similar water needs to maintain consistent soil moisture and balanced growth.

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