About
A tough herbaceous perennial with large, lobed grey-green leaves, whitish beneath, and tall plumes of tiny buff-white flowers opening in late summer from pink buds.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-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, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
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 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free