Plant Profile: Plume Poppy (Macleaya cordata)

Plume poppy is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to east China and Japan where it grows in woodland margins, along lake and river edges, and within scrub. Plants have lobed and scalloped heart-shaped leaves that are eight to ten inches wide by six to eight inches long and are light to olive green on the top side and whitish gray on the underside. The creamy white flowers lack petals, and have two sepals, and twenty five to thirty conspicuous stamens that give the flowers a feathery appearance. They are carried in branched panicles up to one foot long from mid- to late summer. The plants are vigorous and spread rapidly by both rhizomes and seed. They are an excellent choice for the back of the border where they add a strong architectural element along with valuable texture and color. Both the flower heads and leaves are valued in flower arrangements.

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Bloom: Branched panicles up to one foot long of creamy white flowers lacking petals but with two sepals and twenty five to thirty conspicuous stamens, from mid to late summer

Size: 6-10’ H x 6’ W

Light: Full sun in cool climates; afternoon shade in hot climates

Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained

Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Care: Control spread by deadheading and/or rhizome removal

Pests and Diseases: None of significance

Propagation: Seed, division in spring

Companion plants: Bronze fennel (Foenicullum vulgare) ‘Purpureum’, Japanese butterbur (Petasites japonicas), Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)