MACLEAYA microcarpa 'Spetchley Ruby'

Description

Macleaya microcarpa 'Spetchley Ruby'

Height x Spread: 200cm x 200cm

A vigorous, spreading rhizomatous perennial with upright stems of brick red flowers over beautiful grey-green architectural foliage from July to September. The flowers are followed by attractive red-orange seed  heads.

Ideal in a more open space with tall grasses and other statuesque plants. 

Macleaya originated in China and Japan, but this cultivar is said to be a more gentile than others in its genus.  Care should be taken to plant it away from areas that directly border the neighbours. It's habit of going visiting may cause some consternation. Like all plants in this genus, freshly cut stems will emit a bright orange sap which is not know to have any adverse effects on people or animals except the ability to stain skin and textiles.

This particularly attractive cultivar was used by designer Tom Stuart Smith in his Hampton Court show garden to great effect. 

Happy in any kind of soil in full sun or partial shade, it is more likely to spread in free-draining sandy soil. Drought resistant once established, it has been known to emit a sweet perfume that is detectable at a distance.

Not suitable for small spaces or pot culture as the rhizomatous roots need space to spread. Looks beautiful in large swathes. Ideal for prairie style planting schemes, larger wildlife gardens and central beds.