Chin. Plume Poppy

Magnificent and dangerous at once

he Chinese plume poppy, Macleaya cordata, is a plant full of contradictions. At first glance, it impresses with its gray-green, almost ornamental leaves and tall, delicate panicles that can reach up to three meters into the sky during summer. Once seen, it's unforgettable – it gives every location an almost architectural depth.

Its sap is also remarkable: bright orange, formerly used in China as a dye – and highly toxic. Alkaloids make the plant problematic for both humans and animals.

Its beauty thus has its pitfalls. And here comes the biggest one: the Chinese plume poppy forms vigorous rhizomes that spread uncontrollably. Anyone who plants it in a perennial bed quickly realizes that it cannot be tamed. To get rid of it, you really have to remove it down to the very last bit.

I made the mistake of planting it in my gravel garden. Of course, I knew about its invasive power – but I wanted the beautiful cut flowers it also provides. Now I'm dealing with the mess and will have to dig it out completely from my mixed border in autumn, down to the last root fragment.

Where it's allowed to shine

As contradictory as it is – in the right place, Macleaya cordata becomes an ornament. Against brick walls, in spacious parks, or large installations, it unfolds its power without displacing other plants. There it may grow, there it may spread, there it becomes an imposing presence.

For small beds, it's a pest. But for generous spaces, it's a plant that outshines everything else.