Overview
Macleaya is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Macleaya, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Macleaya grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, prairie planting, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.
About
Macleaya is a clump-forming cultivar of the Macleaya genus, which comprises sizable herbaceous perennials growing from rhizomes. It features broad, palmately lobed deciduous foliage and produces expansive panicles filled with small flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, making it suitable for architectural planting, prairie styles, flower borders, and hedging. It is hardy in the UK to H6 and can be propagated by division or separating root rhizomes when dormant.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Macleaya
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Macleaya size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Prairie planting, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Macleaya
- Propagation
- Division in late autumn or spring, separate root rhizomes when dormant in winter
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Macleaya?
Macleaya prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Macleaya need?
Macleaya is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Macleaya hardy in the UK?
Macleaya has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Macleaya?
Division in late autumn or spring, separate root rhizomes when dormant in winter.
