About
A perennial poppy to 1m high, with bristly stems and intricately divided, dark green leaves with fine silvery hairs. In late spring to early summer, very large deep red flowers are produced, up to 18cm across, with ruffled petals with black blotches 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationWill thrive in most soils, as long as there is good drainage, but a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is not too acidic is ideal. Position in full sun and provide support, as stems can flop after heavy rain (see staking perennials)
PruningCut spent flowering stems back to the ground, unless seed heads are required. Cut back foliage as it fades in summer
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by root cuttings in late autumn and early winter. Plants may produce seed, but seedlings may not be true to the parent plant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt