Overview
Macleaya microcarpa is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Macleaya, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Macleaya microcarpa 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 microcarpa is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family, Papaveraceae. It is a vigorous, substantial herbaceous perennial growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1 m (3 ft) or more wide, with grey-green felted leaves and loose panicles of buff flowers in midsummer. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central and China Southeast. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include architectural, prairie planting, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Macleaya microcarpa
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 microcarpa 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 microcarpa
- 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 microcarpa?
Macleaya microcarpa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Macleaya microcarpa need?
Macleaya microcarpa 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 microcarpa hardy in the UK?
Macleaya microcarpa 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 microcarpa?
Division in late autumn or spring, separate root rhizomes when dormant in winter.
