About

A tap-rooted perennial with light green, pinnately lobed leaves and bowl-shaped lemon-yellow or orange flowers 5cm across, from late spring to early autumn.

About the genus

Papaver can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer-shaped, 4-petalled flowers which may be solitary or in racemes

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toW Europe

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in areas with cool, damp summers. Suitable for wildflower garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids