Macleaya ×kewensis, commonly known as Kew’s Plume Poppy or Giant Plume Poppy, is a hybrid perennial herb that is a cross between Macleaya cordata and Macleaya microcarpa. It is characterized by its rapid growth rate and can reach a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) with a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). The plant has large, lobed leaves and bears tall, erect panicles of creamy-white, showy flowers in the summer, which are attractive to pollinators. Native to East Asia, it thrives in a range of habitats including open woodlands and grasslands.

Kew’s Plume Poppy is valued for its architectural form and its ability to create a bold statement in borders and as a background plant in gardens. It is also used for its ornamental foliage and flowers. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, but it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be managed to prevent unwanted spread. It prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to various soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. Regular watering is recommended, but the plant can tolerate some drought once established. Gardeners should be cautious as the sap can be an irritant, and the plant can become invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0