type :
Perennials
sun exposure :
Full Sun, Partial Shade
water :
Regular Water
planting zones :
US (Upper South) / Zone 6, MS (Middle South) / Zone 7, LS (Lower South) / Zone 8
Plant Details
These tall perennials from China and Japan are sometimes still listed as Bocconia, a name properly belonging to their shrubby tropical relatives. The two species described below resemble each other. Both have creeping rhizomes; tall, erect stems; large, deeply lobed leaves much like those of edible fig (Ficus carica); and small flowers in large, branching clusters. These plants have a tropical look, and their value lies in size and structure rather than flower color. Can be invasive if not controlled; plant among shrubs rather than amid delicate perennials. Resist deer.
plume poppy
macleaya cordata
- To 78 feet tall, with 3 feet-wide clumps of grayish green, 10 inches leaves and clouds of tiny white to beige flowers.
- Considered somewhat less invasive than Macleaya microcarpa.
macleaya microcarpa
- Resembles Macleaya cordata but has pinkish beige flowers.
- Flowers of 'Kelway's Coral Plume' are more decidedly pink.