Macleaya cordata

Plume poppies, Macleaya, are vigorous herbaceous perennials primarily grown for their bold and beautiful foliage. Like opium poppies, to which they're related, plume poppies have glaucous grey-green leaves that stand out all the more when it rains and the foliage sparkles with moisture.

Most commonly grown are Macleaya cordata and Macleaya microcarpa. Both are very similar in appearance to each other, but Macleaya cordata spreads less than the former and has paler flower plumes, compared to the pinker flowers of Macleaya microcarpa. It's a fantastic addition to a herbaceous border where the beautifully structured leaves can be admired, while pollinators love the small but numerous flowers.

For best results grow Macleaya cordata in full sun or partial shade in a deep, moist and well-drained soil, with plenty of organic matter added to boost soil fertility. Plume poppies are known for being vigorous spreaders, to be prepared to limit this by going around the clump with a spade to sever adventitious roots. Macleaya cordata holds the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).