Glaucidium palmatum (Japanese Wood Poppy)

Highly sought after, Glaucidium palmatum (Japanese Wood Poppy) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a ravishing clump of large, palmately lobed, light green leaves, 8 in. wide (20 cm). The foliage alone makes Japanese Wood Poppy a memorable and must-have plant. In late spring and early summer, four-petaled, large and single, mauve to lilac flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), appear above the foliage. Resembling miniature peonies or poppies, they feature a large bouquet of prominent stamens in their center. Japanese Wood Poppy does not perform well in warm climates. It also needs protection from desiccating winds in the winter. Long-lived if reasonably happy, it is incredibly beautiful when grown properly. Glaucidium palmatum is one of the gems of the woodland garden.

• Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 20 in. tall and wide (50 cm).
• Thrives in part shade to full shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Protect from cold drying winds. Dislikes high temperatures and thrives in cool, moist climates.
• Ideal for garden edging, groundcover, cottage gardens, city gardens, or rock gardens. Best planted in groups of 5 to 10
• Easy to grow, virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs.
• Propagate by seed sown in spring in containers in an open cold frame or by careful division of mature clumps in early spring.
• Native to mountainous woods of Japan.