Friday Favorite: Plume Poppy
Two years ago I spotted a plume poppy (MACLEAYA) in the gardens at Shelburne Farms in Vermont. I didn’t know what it was at the time and spent a bit of time searching to no avail. I was struck by the size of the plant and how delicate it was despite its towering nature.
Fast forward to last summer, I spotted this plant in the gardens at Fieldstone Gardens when we were there visiting. Naturally, I purchased one and planted it in the nursery area of the back garden. Since I now knew the name, I did some research on favorable conditions and the nature of the plant (is it thuggish or invasive, etc). One of the great features of this plant is that it’s a perennial so it dies back to the ground during the winter. Than can make it a valuable plant in areas with lots of snow.
While it does spread by runner, I’ve both read and heard that it’s easy to pull up the side shoots to limit spread (once a season suffices according to most sources). Mine has tripled in size in a year, which is actually great because I want it to be a large plant and take up a large space. With the vast nature of the gardens here at Chiot’s Run, we welcome plants that can spread, grow large, and take up a decent amount of garden real estate. I’m also always looking for giant wonders to add height to the garden.
Have you ever spotted a plant in a garden and spent a year or two trying to find out what it was?
Filed under Around the Garden | Comment (1)
Susy, surely there’s an app for that. I can’t say that I’ve been drawn to any plant like that. I have researched plants that I wanted to find. The rogosa rose bushes have grown up into a hedge juzt like I wanted.
Have a great Plume Poppy day.
Nebraska Dave
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