Macleaya Plant Growing Information
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 30th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Macleaya plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Macleaya sports tall, architectural stems with unique plumelike flowers. These features can add a distinct touch and vertical interest landscapes.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade. It appreciates moist conditions but can tolerate some dry spells.
- General Care: Pruning is essential after flowering to prevent self-seeding and spread.
- Tips for New Gardeners: While the plume poppy is striking, gardeners should be cautious. The plant is toxic if ingested and can irritate the skin. Due to its invasive tendencies, consider its placement carefully, and be vigilant about controlling its spread. Be sure to check local regulations on growing these plants in your area. It is not really recommended to grow these plants in a garden setting.
Plume Poppy: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of the Macleaya genus are hardy perennials that flower in the summer and reach from 1.5 to 2.4 m in height.
They are invasive in many areas, and have a poisonous sap. This means that they should not usually be grown in the garden.
They carry attractive lobed leaves, and have white or pink flowers carried on sprays.
One of the common names for Macleaya is Plume Poppy.
Macleaya cordata - Plume poppy by Megan E Hansen.
Plume poppy by Wallygrom.
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Macleaya Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Plume Poppy.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 60 to 108 inches (150 to 270 cm).
Native: East Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White, pink, taupe. Tiny. Long sprays.
Foliage: Pinnate. Deeply lobed. Gray to green. Lacey.
Sow Outside: Usually grown from root cuttings. Cover seed. Germination time: two to three weeks. Start of spring - before the last frost. Plant singly or about 48 to 60 (120 to 150 cm) apart.
Sow Inside: No
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade (hot areas). Good drainage.
Moist soils, ordinary soil. Regular watering during dry periods. Deadhead. Cut back to the ground in autumn. Divide after four years (start of spring) to maintain vigor. Propagate: Self seeds readily. Or by taking root cuttings in the winter, or stem cuttings from leaf axils in the summer.
Miscellaneous: Invasive plant in many growing regions. Sap is considered poisonous – wear gloves. Macleaya has many uses ranging from use as a pesticide through to use as an anti-inflammatory.
How to Grow Plume Poppy
It is easier to grow Macleaya plant species from cuttings or divided plants, but if you are going to use seeds then it is best to grow Plume poppies outdoors.
Sow the seed at the beginning of spring, before the last frost.
They should be lightly covered with soil once sown. It typically takes about two weeks for the seed to germinate.
Plume Poppy likes to grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas that has good drainage.
Ideally the soil that Macleaya species grow in should be moist. Once growing thin/transplant the seedlings so that they are about 2 meters (7 feet) apart.
Caring for Macleaya Plants such as Plume Poppies in the Garden
It is quite easy to maintain plume poppies once they are established.
They should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Deadhead the flowers once blooming has finished.
Cut back the Macleaya plant to the ground once the growing season is over in the autumn.
To maintain vigorous growth, it is best to divide the plant every four years.
If you require to propagate Plume poppy, then cuttings should be took from the root in the winter, or they can be divided in the spring.
Do not allow to set seed as they can become invasive in the garden if not rigorously controlled.
Common Questions
How many members does the Macleaya genus have?
The Macleaya genus contains just two species, the most well-known being the Plume Poppy.
Do members of Macleaya make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Macleaya plants, with their large size and unique foliage, can make a dramatic statement in landscapes. However, they can spread aggressively.
Which Macleaya species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Macleaya cordata (Plume Poppy) is often grown for its large scalloped leaves and airy, plume-like flowers.
Are members of the Macleaya plant genus fragrant?
Macleaya plants do not have a strong fragrance. However, some people find the scent of the crushed leaves unpleasant.
What is the perfect location to grow Macleaya?
Macleaya plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be invasive, so give them space to spread or control their growth.
Is Macleaya invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Macleaya is not currently classified as invasive in the USA, but it can spread aggressively if not managed well.
How do I remove Macleaya plants from my garden?
Removing Macleaya involves digging out the plant and its extensive root system. Regular monitoring and removal of new shoots will help control its spread.
Summary
The Macleaya genus, often called plume poppies, are perennial plants known for their distinctive foliage and airy flower plumes. These plants are natives to East Asia and can make bold statements in gardens.
Macleaya prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-drained soil. The planting time is usually in spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Once established, Macleaya is low maintenance, tolerating dry soils and requiring little care.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Macleaya plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Mexican poppy, Papaver plant, California poppy, and Meconopsis plants.
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