If you're wondering what's missing at the back of your border, perhaps it's a cloud-like display of purple fluffy flowers! Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' grows tall and screens an empty space with a haze of mauve blooms held above wiry black stems in summer. Fresh green lacy leaves below add to the effect, filling the space with top-to-toe beauty. What's useful to note about Thalictrum (also known as meadow-rue), is that it grows well in clay soil—many plants struggle in heavy clay, but this wonderful native plant will manage to sink its roots in and thrive.    

Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' grows in sun or partial shade and flowers in mid summer. Once it has finished flowering, you simply snip the stems level with the foliage. In autumn, cut the whole lot down to the ground. Apart from that, and the usual initial care to get it settled in, this perennial is completely undemanding. There's no need to worry about Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' in winter either; it's extremely tough and can handle temperatures below -20°C!