About
A herbaceous perennial to 1m tall, with toothed and bristly lance-shaped leaves to 30cm long, and single, deep scarlet flowers 20cm across in late spring and early summer, each petal with a bold black blotch at the base.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationCan be grown in a wide range of well-drained soils in full sun. Improve soil with well-rotted organic matter prior to planting. Avoid overfeeding that encourages excessive foliage growth. It may require staking perennials
PruningThe foliage often starts dying back after flowering. Trim back the yellowing foliage. Second flush of growth often commences in early autumn. Remove dead leaves in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, but plants raised from seeds of named cultivars are likely to be different. Take root cuttings in late autumn/early winter. Divide in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews in damp conditions and powdery mildew