Overview
Macleaya cordata is a perennial in the genus Macleaya, part of the Q144723 family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Macleaya cordata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental, borders and cottage gardens. It is native to China, Japan and Taiwan.
About
Macleaya cordata is a tall herbaceous perennial that typically reaches about 2.0 metres and carries plume-like summer flower heads. It favours a sunny position in soils that range from sandy to clay, provided they remain moist but well-drained. Plants form large basal foliage and offer architectural scale at the back of a border. Flowering occurs from July to September.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Macleaya cordata
About the genus
Macleaya, or plume poppy, is a genus of two or three species of flowering plants in the poppy family Papaveraceae, native to Japan and China. They are large rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with palmately lobed, frilly leaves of olive green or grey colour, 25 cm (10 in) long, and tall stems with airy plumes of petal-less, tubular, off-white or cream flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Macleaya", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Macleaya
In the garden
Macleaya cordata originates from East Asia (China, Japan and Taiwan) and is grown for its tall, airy flower panicles and substantial foliage. It reaches roughly 2.0 metres and suits places where a single, structural perennial can read as a vertical accent. Plant it where it has room to show height without hiding lower neighbours. Choose a sunny spot in soil that can be sandy, loamy or clay, but keep the root run moist and well drained; water in dry spells until established and avoid waterlogged hollows. The species carries a UK hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy and will tolerate typical UK winter conditions without winter protection. Site it at the rear of a mixed border, in cottage-style plantings or as an ornamental specimen where its height complements lower perennials and shrubs. Macleaya cordata provides summer presence and structural contrast through its tall flowering period; expect plume-like panicles to form and provide texture and movement in the border during July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Macleaya
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Macleaya cordata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental, Borders, Cottage gardens
- Native to
- China, Japan, Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Macleaya cordata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can be invasive if not controlled
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Macleaya cordata?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can be invasive if not controlled.
Where is the best place to plant Macleaya cordata?
Macleaya cordata prefers full sun.
What soil does Macleaya cordata need?
Macleaya cordata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Macleaya cordata?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Macleaya cordata grow?
Macleaya cordata reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Macleaya cordata hardy in the UK?
Macleaya cordata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Macleaya cordata?
Seed, division.
