About
Tall, narrow stems produce sugary-pink flowers from May to June. An annual to 60cm in height, with feathery green foliage. An ideal choice for filling in gaps in borders or for naturalising as it will often self-seed.
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
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support
PruningCut down once flowers fade and foliage looks untidy
PropagationSow in situ in early February to promote successful germination. Self-seeds freely
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt