Family
Papaveraceae
Description
Plume poppy (Macleaya cordata) is a bold, architectural perennial grown as much for its large, deeply lobed, bluish-green leaves as for its airy panicles of creamy-white to pale buff flowers. Native to China and Japan, it thrives in full sun to part shade and can reach towering heights of 6–10 feet. It spreads by rhizomes and is best suited to large garden borders where it can naturalize freely. Despite its common name, it is not a true poppy, though it belongs to the same botanical family.
Though occasionally used for erosion control due to its aggressive spread, plume poppy is not recommended for small gardens. It performs well in average to lean soil and prefers consistent moisture. Its size, dramatic foliage, and ability to colonize make it ideal for background plantings in informal or wild-style garden settings.
Bloom Time
July to September
