Thalictrums are many and various.  I use these long narrow types a lot; because their vertical habit creates good contrast to the bushy, rounded shape of most plants.  Although everything about them, from their Dicentra-like foliage to their sprays of tiny flowers, appears delicate, that appearance belies amazing toughness .

The flower buds are perfect little balls of color held in the delicate framework of their panicles.   The stems are wiry but strong and, although most of them would like moist soils, they will make do with drier conditions provided their crowns are shaded.

They make excellent verticals in mauve, white or yellow.  Once established they should never need staking.