Glaucidium palmatum
shrub

Japanese Wood Poppy

Glaucidium palmatum

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A rare woodland perennial, Glaucidium palmatum features large, handsome, maple-like leaves and bears large, solitary, poppy-like flowers in shades of lilac, pink, purple or white in late spring. This species is prized for its exquisite flowers and bold foliage, making it a sought-after specimen for shaded, humus-rich woodland gardens. It forms a slowly spreading clump.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, textured foliage with striking purple hues, enhancing shaded garden beds.
Practical UsesPrefers moist, well-drained soil, helping to stabilize soil moisture levels.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinators and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a shaded location with well-draining, moist soil.
  2. Plant in early spring or fall, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart.
  3. Tuck roots into soil and water thoroughly to settle.
  4. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Mist leaves regularly during dry periods for best foliage color.
  6. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, acid-loving plant fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist for vibrant foliage and healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
  • Fertilize in spring with an acid-loving fertilizer

Don't

  • Avoid overexposing to direct sunlight ❌
  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenSilvery foliage border

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Wood Poppy questions

What zones can Japanese Wood Poppy grow in?

Japanese Wood Poppy is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Wood Poppy deer resistant?

Yes — Japanese Wood Poppy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Japanese Wood Poppy bloom?

Japanese Wood Poppy typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Wood Poppy need full sun?

Japanese Wood Poppy does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Japanese Wood Poppy with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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