Tall perennials under a Japanese maple

4 years ago

I group planted 3 thalictrum rochebrunianum seedlings near my Osakazuki Japanese maple, about 7-9 ft away. These thalictrums can get up to 10 ft tall so I’m not sure if they’ll look good under the canopy of my Japanese maple when it gets big. If they are under super tall deciduous trees it would look fine but I don’t believe Osakazuki Japanese maple will get so tall enough for tall understory plantings to go under. I’m Not the best at picturing future landscapes so would like some advice.

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Comments (9)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Wouldn't be my first choice. The thalictrum will grow to maturity so much faster than the maple that it will be obscuring most of the maple for a good 10-15 years. And be a continued distraction after that.

IMO, low growing shrubs or ground covers are best as an underplanting. Or low growing perennials that do not require division often, if at all. The thalictrum just grows too darn big!
Heruga (7a NJ)
Original Author
4 years ago
Thought so.. sigh guess I will move them tomorrow. Do you have experience with this species? Want to know if they’ll handle full sun. I’ve grown them in part shade before with nice blooms but I have a full sun spot that fits perfectly for them.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
They can handle the sun if they receive sufficient moisture.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years ago
they are already 7 to 9 feet away ... and you what to move them further.. how big is the tree ...

dont you have a boggy area?? .. sounds like they would like that moisture ...

ken
Heruga (7a NJ)
Original Author
4 years ago
The tree is only about 6.5 ft tall but on a mound which gives them like another 6 in or so.

They are considered bog plants? Like in the same manner as rodgersias and willows? The bog I have is extremely wet and soggy.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
They are not bog plants. But they do appreciate consistently moist soil. Do not let them dry out, especially if planted in full sun.
Heruga (7a NJ)
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Ok. So I’m guessing a dryish shade area isn’t the best option either? I had a spot in mind that is under the drip line of 2 giant silver maples and thought I can get away with watering them more often but not a good idea?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
If you can make sure you water enough to keep the meadowrue happy, It will probably work.
Heruga (7a NJ)
Original Author
4 years ago
Ok I just moved the 3 into that spot. Forgot there was also a white pine in that vicinity too. Interestingly enough, I encountered no roots at all when digging and soil was still moist.

Btw…. I read some horror stories in rouge21s thread https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5433354/thalictrum-splendide-in-its-new-location

Many people saying rochebrunianum dying on them or not coming back up in spring especially seed grown ones. Are these plants actually that hard to grow? I’ve planted a nursery purchased one in 2019 and that one is still nice and alive so must be seed grown ones that are more challenging?