Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Cotton Ball Meadow Rue: White Puffs on Dark Stems for Evening
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Cotton Ball meadow rue is the white-flowered sibling of Cotton Candy, with the same tall, sturdy, columnar form. Wispy, cotton-like puffs of clear white stamens sit on dark purple-black stems above finely divided green leaves, a crisp contrast that looks its best in the evening, when white flowers seem to float.
It prefers richer, more evenly moist soil than lavender, so it belongs in a nearby border with some afternoon shade rather than in the lavender bed.
Cotton Ball at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Thalictrum 'Cotton Ball' |
| Flowers | Clear white, fluffy puffs 3 to 5 inches across on dark stems |
| Foliage | Medium green, finely divided with small rounded leaflets |
| Size | 38 to 42 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks late June |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Deer | Resistant; rabbits usually leave it alone too |
An evening garden beside the lavender
A lavender garden is lovely at dusk, when the scent hangs in warm air. Cotton Ball adds the visual half of that evening moment: tall white puffs that catch the last light. Plant it in a moist border along the edge of a patio or path, a few steps from the lavender, where afternoon shade keeps it comfortable.
Its narrow, columnar shape adds height without taking up much ground, so it suits slim beds and the back of a border. It blooms through June, overlapping the start of lavender season. Lay out the beds in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Site: full sun to part shade. It prefers cool summers, so afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
- Soil: average to fertile and reasonably moist, but not waterlogged, which can cause root rot.
- Water: steady moisture, especially in hot weather.
- Airflow: crowded plants in humid weather can get powdery mildew. Give it room.
- After bloom: cut spent stems back to keep it tidy.
- Winter: hardy in Michigan within its zone range. Cut stems in fall or spring and add a light mulch.
Once it settles in, leave it in place. Meadow rue does not like being disturbed.
A long-lasting cut flower
The long stems and lasting flowers make Cotton Ball an excellent cut flower. Cut stems when about half the puffs are open. Their airy texture softens arrangements, and white puffs with fresh lavender spikes make a simple, elegant summer bouquet.
Two tray sizes
Cotton Ball is offered as a 72-cell plug tray and a 20-cell plug tray. Choose the 72-cell tray for larger plantings and the 20-cell tray for bigger plugs that establish faster. See each product page for current availability, or visit the Wholesale Hub.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from Cotton Candy?
Same tall, sturdy column and dark stems, but Cotton Ball has clear white flowers instead of pink.
Does it need staking?
Its sturdy, columnar form usually stands on its own, especially with enough light and steady moisture.
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