About
Macleaya cordata, the plume poppy, is a tall, rhizomatous perennial to 2.5 m with broad, rounded, five- to seven-lobed, grey-green leaves to 20 cm, whitish beneath, and tall, airy plumes to 1 m of tiny, buff-white, petal-less flowers in summer. A dramatic and architectural plant for a large, sunny border � but can spread extensively by rhizomes.
About the genus
Macleaya, the plume poppies, are large, rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with handsome, palmately lobed, grey-green leaves and large, airy panicles of tiny, petal-less flowers in summer. Dramatic and architectural plants for large, sunny borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Prairie planting
Native toChina, Japan, Taiwan
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in a deep, moderately fertile soil that is moist but well-drained, but will tolerate most soils. It needs plenty of space and has the potential to become a nuisance on sandy soils. For best foliage, provide shelter from cold winds; like sun but tolerates partial shade
PruningCut down to the base in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in late autumn or spring or separate root rhizomes when dormant in winter and treat as you would root cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free