What is a plant cultivar?

A new plant cultivar is a human‑selected plant—essentially a chosen individual or line—that shows a distinct, desirable trait and can reliably retain that trait when propagated. In horticultural terms, a cultivar must be distinct, uniform, and stable, meaning it looks recognisably different from other plants of the same species, behaves consistently, and stays true to type when reproduced by the correct method.

A cultivar is identified directly in the plant’s name by a very specific formatting rule set out in the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP).

The cultivar epithet is:

• Placed after the genus (and species, if used)

• Written in single quotation marks

• Written in a non‑Latin word or phrase (for names established after 1 Jan 1959)

• Capitalised (each word begins with a capital letter unless linguistic custom dictates otherwise)
  
  

A good example of a Thalictrum cv. is Thalictrum delavayi ‘Hewitt’s Double’

Our latest Cultivar:

Thalictrum minus ‘Rootie Doots’

A distinctive new cultivar selected and named by National Collection holder Nicholas Guntrip‑Hook, Thalictrum minus ‘Rootie Doots’ represents a striking foliage and stem colour variant within the T. minus complex. Propagated vegetatively by division from a unique individual within the species, this cultivar is immediately recognisable for its deep purple stems, which contrast dramatically with the plant’s fine, blue‑green foliage.

Origin & Naming

‘Rootie Doots’ was discovered within cultivated material of Thalictrum minus and selected for its unusually intense stem pigmentation. The cultivar is named in honour of Nicholas’s wife, Ruth Guntrip‑Hook, whose nickname “Rootie Doots” lends the plant both its charm and its commemorative significance. The name follows ICNCP rules for cultivar epithets and is formally presented in single quotation marks.

Habit & Stems

A clump‑forming herbaceous perennial, typically reaching 60–100 cm depending on site conditions.

Stems are the defining feature: rich purple, often darkening further in strong light, and providing a bold architectural accent even before flowering. This pigmentation is markedly stronger than in typical T. minus, where stems are usually green or lightly flushed.

Foliage

Leaves are finely divided, blue‑green, and delicately textured, consistent with the species. The cool foliage tones amplify the visual impact of the purple stems, giving the plant a refined, bicolour structural presence.

Flowers

Airy clusters of soft yellow flowers appear in early to midsummer, typical of T. minus. The inflorescences float above the foliage on the coloured stems, creating a subtle but elegant contrast.

Propagation & Stability

‘Rootie Doots’ is maintained exclusively by division, ensuring the stability of its distinctive stem colour. Seed does not come true and should not be used for propagation. Clumps divide cleanly in early spring and establish readily.

Cultivation

Thrives in moist, well‑drained soil in full sun or light shade.

Performs well in mixed borders, naturalistic plantings, and settings where its stem colour can be appreciated at close range.

The plant is naturally upright and self‑supporting, with no staking required under normal conditions.

Aesthetic & Horticultural Merit

Strong purple stems provide a rare and valuable colour trait within Thalictrum minus.

Excellent for adding vertical accents and fine texture.

Combines beautifully with silver foliage, grasses, and pale‑flowered perennials.

Pictures to follow....