About
This clump-forming perennial 80cm high with bristly stems which are erect at first and then tend to sprawl unless supported, and pinnatisect, variously lobed and toothed, mid-green leaves, which die back in summer as a new basal rosette forms, and deep maroon-mahogany-red flowers, with dark purple-brown seed capsules and black stamens but without basal spots, in early summer; poppy flowers are a rich source of pollen for bees.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
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
CultivationGrow in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, and support if necessary
PruningCut back dead flowering stems and dead leaves
PropagationPropagate by root cuttings in late autumn or early winter, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt