Guide to growing garden plants - Macleaya (Plume flower)

Members of the Macleaya genus are hardy perennials that flower in the summer and reach from 1.5m to 2.4M in height.

They carry attractive lobed leaves and have white or pink flowers carried on sprays.

One of the common names for Macleaya is Plume Poppy.

How to grow Plume Poppy

It is easier to grow Macleaya 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 metres apart.

Caring for Macleaya plants such as plume poppies

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; and 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.