General Culture:
Easily grown in moist, sandy, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Full sun is best in cool summer climates, but part afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. Plants will spread somewhat aggressively by rhizomes in optimum growing conditions. Fertile soils and shade encourage more rapid spread. Propagate by division in spring or by seed. Plants may self-seed in the garden. Deadhead spent flowers to discourage unwanted reseeding. Notwithstanding plant height, staking is usually not required.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Plume poppy is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial that grows to 5-8’ tall. It is noted for its attractive flower panicles, large scalloped leaves and spreading habit. Branched, airy panicles (to 12” long) of apetulous but showy, creamy white flowers bloom from mid to late summer. Each flower has 24-30 conspicuous stamens. Lobed and scalloped leaves (6-8” long) are light green to olive green above and gray-white beneath. Each leaf is heart-shaped at the base, hence the specific epithet. Stems contain yellow sap. Synonymous with and formerly known as Bocconia cordata. Genus name honors Alexander Macleay (1767-1848) honorary secretary of the Linnean Society of London.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Border backgrounds. Specimen. Naturalized areas. Plume poppy is not recommended for small areas or borders where it may spread into other perennials.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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