About

Eomecon chionantha, the snow poppy, is a vigorous, spreading, rhizomatous perennial with attractive, heart- to kidney-shaped, glaucous, grey-green leaves to 10 cm across on long stalks. From late spring to midsummer, upright, branching stems bear loose sprays of shiny, white, poppy-like flowers to 5 cm across. A beautiful ground-covering perennial for a moist, shaded border.

About the genus

Eomecon, the snow poppy, is a monotypic genus of rhizomatous perennials in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to eastern China. It produces large, heart-shaped, glaucous leaves and white, poppy-like flowers in spring and early summer, spreading by rhizomes to form good ground cover in moist, shaded conditions.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE China

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in light shade, or in full sun provided the soil remains moist in summer. May spread rapidly in fertile soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame, or by division, in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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