About
Papaver atlanticum, the Atlas poppy, is a clump-forming, short-lived perennial to 50 cm with rosettes of grey-green, hairy, elliptical, toothed leaves to 15 cm long. Saucer-shaped, dull-orange flowers up to 6 cm across are borne on upright, hairy stems from late spring into autumn. A rewarding and free-flowering poppy for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Papaver, the poppies, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer- or bowl-shaped, four-petalled flowers borne singly or in racemes. Popular and colourful garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toMorocco
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any good, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids