Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’

A recent introduction of popular meadow rue, this has lavender-purple flowers held high on striking, jet-black stems. Each small flower is made up of tiny strands, like downy thistles, giving the plant a hazy, fluffy effect. The foliage is pretty, too, scalloped and lacy looking. This willowy, tall perennial makes a striking feature towards the back of a partially shady border, or as a contrast to larger-leaved plants. It looks at home and happy as part of a cottage garden scheme, but it associates well with grasses, too.