Overview
Papaver dubium is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Papaver dubium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Papaver dubium is an annual poppy that reaches heights of up to 60 cm. It features hairy, finely dissected leaves that can grow up to 15 cm in length, displaying a blue-green hue. Throughout the summer, it produces solitary, saucer-shaped flowers that can be reddish-orange or reddish-pink, measuring up to 7 cm in diameter. These blooms are borne on upright, hairy stems and are succeeded by elongated, ribbed seed capsules.
About the genus
Papaver encompasses annuals, biennials, or herbaceous perennials characterized by either simple or pinnately lobed leaves. The flowers are typically ephemeral, featuring a saucer shape with four petals, and can appear either as solitary blooms or in racemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Papaver
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Papaver dubium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Papaver dubium
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, sunny spot in well-drained soil
- Pruning
- Deadhead after flowering if seed is not required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Papaver dubium?
Grow in an open, sunny spot in well-drained soil.
Where is the best place to plant Papaver dubium?
Papaver dubium prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Papaver dubium need?
Papaver dubium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Papaver dubium?
Deadhead after flowering if seed is not required.
How big does Papaver dubium grow?
Papaver dubium reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Papaver dubium hardy in the UK?
Papaver dubium has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Papaver dubium?
Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring.
Is Papaver dubium good for pollinators?
Yes — Papaver dubium attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.