Macleaya microcarpa

PINK PLUME POPPY

No WA

Macleaya microcarpa
PINK PLUME POPPY

Coral-pink smoky plumes of finest flowers, froth to 1.5m. in summer, making Macleaya microcarpa an eye catching background plant.
Though even if it never flowered I would grow it just for it’s handsome, large, grey-blue-green, lobed leaves.
Not listed for entry to WA

Creamy smoke and grey-blue-green foliage

But gardeners can be greedy, and have it all. So when coral-pink smoke combines with the sea of cool foliage, it is a stirring summer display.
And it makes a showy cut flower for a large vase, where its smoky fineness is the perfect foil for bolder flowers.

Macleaya microcarpa is commonly known as the Pink Plume Poppy, probably because the attractive foliage does look a little poppy-like (and it does belong to the broader poppy family Papaveraceae). But a poppy it ain’t, though plume in pink it does.

Indestructibly tough

Plume Poppy is invaluable in gardens with tough conditions, and limited water.
It does sucker in good going – so do put it in a tougher spot to slow it down, or contain it.
It certainly makes an impressive, and indestructibly tough specimen in a large tub.

Tough, easy grower, & low maintenance

Plant Macleaya microcarpa in Full Sun to Part Shade. Frost hardy.
Very tolerant of a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay.
Dry & frost hardy, and able to resist drought.

1.5-1.8m High x 45cm + Wide.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY 

Macleaya microcarpa seeds can be scattered in the garden during autumn, winter or early spring, as seeds need some cold before emerging in spring / or can be sown indoors at any time.

Indoors for fast plants: First sow the seeds in a punnet on surface of good quality seed raising mix. Then press gently to the surface of the mix to ensure good contact.
But don’t cover because these seeds need light to germinate.

Now keep moist in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).

Temperatures of approx. 18-22°C are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.

Seeds germinate in 14-28 days approx.

If the seeds do not show, then they need some chilling to break their natural dormancy.
So wrap the moist, sown punnet in cling wrap & place in fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks to mimic winter chilling.
Then remove from the fridge, unwrap punnet & return to 18-22°C. in a well-lit position.

Seed Count: 50 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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