Synonym: T. dipterocarpum. One of the gems of the sunny to lightly shaded garden, this is one of the hardiest Meadow Rues, and certainly among the most beautiful, its lavender petals surrounding a large cluster of bright yellow stamens for a lovely two-tone look that blends into a giant cloud of purple from a distance. Long-blooming and easy to care for, it is a must-have for the rear of the border, the center of the bed, and anywhere you desire a stunning accent planting.
T. rochebrunianum blooms freely from midsummer 'til early fall, its small flowers appearing all over wiry, well-branched dark brown stems. Below it, the foliage makes a bright foundation, its blue-green tones and lush growth contrasting with the airiness of the flowering stems. This perennial reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide in the garden, and remains attractive even out of bloom thanks to its healthy foliage and plumply rounded shape.
Native to Japan, this perennial thrives in any moist, well-drained soil, combining well with other summer-blooming perennials from Coreopsis to Echinacea. It makes a fine succession planting to Lupinus, bridging the awkward garden season between summer and fall. Zones 4-7.
