Japanese Wood Poppy (Glaucidium palmatum): Violet Sepals for Shade Gardens

Japanese wood poppy (Glaucidium palmatum)—if you dwarfed flowering raspberry and sent it to finishing school, this would be the result. Birders note Glaucidium is also an owl genus; gardeners may hoot and flap when seeing it in full bloom.

Distinctive Blooms

May need a year or two to establish before flowering, but then produces a show of violet sepals (white varieties also available). Naturally wilts in heat—requires shade and regular water.

Culture & Problems

Keep properly hydrated for brilliant shade color. Suffers in heat.

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Habit: Spreads
• Growth Pace: Moderate
• Light: Part shade only
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Bloom Time: Early spring, spring
• Flower Colors: Pink, white
• Attributes: Showy flowers
• Uses: Color, naturalizing, shade gardens