Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
limur

The Curse of the Plume Poppy

Limur
19 years ago

About 3 years ago my husband (the landscaper no less) planted a plume poppy in our garden after seeing them in many of his customer's gardens. He does not do the weeding or maintaining of these gardens...just some design, construction and planting...so he was horrified to see that that one plume poppy became about 30 by the end of the season. We are STILL fighting that thing, which is a shame because it is a beautiful plant but frighteningly invasive!

Any thoughts on organic ways to exterminate it once and for all?

Lisa

Comments (13)

  • veilchen
    19 years ago

    I haven't grown it but have seen its tendencies in other people's gardens. Those things get huge!

    I don't remember, are they annuals or perennials? If it spreads by self-seeding, try covering the area with cardboard/mulch on top to stop them sprouting. You can also do the same if it's a perennial sending new shoots up--smother them for a season and they should be toast.

  • adlumia
    19 years ago

    Lovely foliage - tough plant. Last post was right - make sure you don't let them seed - then you have babies along with the ever growing mother plant. I think unfortunately the solution is a black plastic mulch for a season or two - and then vigilance ever after. Luckily the foliage is very distinctive - so babies should be easy to spot. If you move any plants from where these Macleaya are located - wash the roots off really well - make sure you aren't taking roots or seeds along for the ride. I unfortunately have moved both Macleaya and the truly evil Aegopodium (goutweed) to freshly dug new beds. Both times in a vain attempt to save some poor plant from being strangled by it's thuggish neightbors. The thug loved it's new home - the strangled plant either expired from transplant shock or strangulation or both.
    Good luck!
    agmss

  • lilyroseviolet
    19 years ago

    sounds like good screening for a more unmanaged area

  • nushie
    18 years ago

    I recieved some allium from a neighbour, and along with it came this lovely plant that i had no idea what it was.
    Big ,and beautiful it be came... obviously loving it where it was. And yes... i too be came the host of a new batch of little babies everywhere ,this spring. It didn't take me long, but i completley dug it out, and transplanted it in an area where it can be on its own, and i don't need too worry too much about it.
    I love the plant too much to just get rid of it completely, so i've opted ,like what another post suggested... too plant it on its own somewhere.
    My neighbour also said.. MULCH,MULCH,MULCH too help keep it contained if its with other plants.

    any one know of a website with photo's??

    Good luck.

  • downeastwaves
    18 years ago

    I wondered what it looked like so went to the GardenWeb database....

    Here is a link that might be useful: Plume Poppy

  • chelone
    18 years ago

    I think they're smashing plants, aesthetically. But I've shied away from adding them to our gardens. As with anything you are trying to eliminate you have to go at it with a comprehensive plan of attack.

    First, deadhead religiously... don't let seeds mature!
    Second, begin digging out volunteers and GET THE ROOTS. Don't compost them, throw them out.
    Third, start working on the "mother plant".
    Fourth, keep the area mulched with sodden cardboard and keep replenishing it.
    Fifth, be prepared to do battle for 2-3 years!

  • downeastwaves
    14 years ago

    we moved and this place has plume poppies in one spot near the barn. It is a a stunning plant. The bees love it! They are on it from dawn till dusk.

  • suzypeters
    10 years ago

    Yes it's prolific but part of it's charm lies in it's 'travelling' habit. The roots are fleshy so easily pulled out, it grows in both sun and shade, damp or drier soils. It's more an asset than a curse with stems left through winter giving stature, grace and hopefully much needed protection for insects. Highly versatile, statuesque and much treasured in my London garden!

  • lisaw2015 (ME)
    9 years ago

    I would absolutely LOVE to have some of this Plume Poppy!! I am only able to locat seeds on the web & I would love an actual plant. Anyone know where I can get some???

  • downeastwaves
    9 years ago

    Lisa you can have some of mine in the spring. Where are you?

  • lisaw2015 (ME)
    8 years ago

    I am in Central Maine, where are you?

  • drkala
    8 years ago

    If you are still looking, I have some in Gardiner.

    https://www.facebook.com/MMAGardening?fref=ts


Sponsored
Hoppy Design & Build
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars9 Reviews
Northern VA Award-Winning Deck ,Patio, & Landscape Design Build Firm