About
This vigorous, spreading herbaceous perennial to 2m in height, with large, rounded and lobed grey-green leaves, whitish beneath. Tiny buff-pink flowers are carried in large, airy terminal panicles.
About the genus
Macleaya are large herbaceous rhizomatous perennials with handsome palmately lobed leaves and large airy panicles of tiny flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationBest 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 the best foliage, provide shelter from cold winds; likes 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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free