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. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds.
About
Papaver dubium, commonly known as the long-headed poppy, is a columnar upright annual or biennial plant in the Papaver genus. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres within one year. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and is suited to south- or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Papaver dubium is notable for its interest during the spring and summer seasons.
About the genus
Papaver is a genus of 70–100 species of frost-tolerant annuals, biennials, and perennials native to temperate and cold regions of Eurasia, Africa and North America. It is the type genus of the poppy family, Papaveraceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Papaver", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Papaver
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
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, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Papaver dubium
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring, Root cuttings in late autumn and early winter
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Fungal wilts, Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
How do I propagate Papaver dubium?
Seed, Division in spring, Root cuttings in late autumn and early winter.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Papaver genus
- Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Flamenco Dancer'

- Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Redizelle'

- Papaver atlanticumAtlas poppy

- Papaver lateritiumorange poppy

- Papaver orientaleoriental poppy

- Papaver orientale 'Indian Chief'Indian Chief Oriental Poppy

- Papaver orientale 'Marcus Perry'Oriental Poppy

- Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double)Oriental poppy 'May Queen'

Last updated