Meadow rue Plant Care

Meadow rue (Circaeaster agrestis) belongs to the Circaeasteraceae family within the Circaeaster genus. Meadow rue is native to temperate zones from the northwest Himalaya to northwest China. Meadow rue is also known as Fan columbine.

Meadow rue displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Meadow rue produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Meadow rue every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Meadow rue thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–500 lux. Avoid placing Meadow rue in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Circaeaster agrestis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Meadow rue prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Meadow rue to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Meadow rue every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Meadow rue is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Meadow rue can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Meadow rue while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Meadow rue is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Meadow rue can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

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Meadow rue is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Meadow rue grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Meadow rue is native to temperate zones from the northwest Himalaya to northwest China. In cooler regions, grow Meadow rue as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.