Macleaya cordata

Macleaya cordata
Originally uploaded by emagen

Beautiful spring day today, sunny and warm, although I didn't get to see a lot of it being stuck in an office all day.
I noticed this evening that the Macleaya cordata is now growing rapidly. This plant, common name Plume Poppy, makes a striking architectural feature growing to about 9ft with large, deep-cut, grey / green foliage. It carries sprays of buff coloured flowers atop its high stems.
This plant is 'as tough as old boots' but looks quite exotic and I find is great for the back of the border in difficult situations. I grow it at the back of a deep border at the foot of a very large tree, it has to deal with often dry and shady conditions. It's height is very useful in disguising a 6ft high fence and it easily outdoes some nasty weeds that live in the vicinity. Grown in better conditions, Macleaya might be difficult to control. The foliage always looks fresh, at least until it dies back to the ground in late autumn.
Definitely a plant I would recommend - if you have the space.