Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Light Green, White

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Plume poppy is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial that grows to 5 to 8 feet tall and half as wide. It is noted for its attractive flower panicles, large scalloped leaves and spreading habit. Creamy white, airy flowers bloom on branches along a tall stalk above the foliage from mid to late summer. Lobed and scalloped leaves are light green to olive green above and gray-white beneath. Well suited to the backs of shrub and perennial borders where it has room and afternoon shade.

Grow in sandy-loam, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, though in our hot summers afternoon shade is appreciated. Plants will spread somewhat aggressively by rhizomes in optimum growing conditions. Fertile soils and shade encourage more rapid spread, though it spreads less aggressively in dry shade. Plants may self-seed in the garden; deadheading spent flowers will lessen unwanted reseeding. Notwithstanding plant height, staking is usually not required. Cut back in later winter.