Papaver orientale (oriental poppy) — Perennial

Overview

Papaver orientale is a perennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Q144723 family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Papaver orientale grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran.

About

Papaver orientale is a perennial that produces upright flowering stems to about 1.0 m and blooms from May to August. It prefers full sun and freely draining sandy or loamy soils. The species is native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. All parts are toxic, so handle with care around children and pets.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Papaver orientale

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

In the garden

Papaver orientale is a hardy perennial native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. Plants send up tall stems that bear the flowers between May and August and typically reach about 1.0 m in height. The species has a long association with temperate gardens and performs where summer colour is required. Give Papaver orientale a sunny, open position; exposure to full sun suits it best. It favours sandy or loamy soils that are well-drained, or at least moist but well-drained rather than waterlogged. In the UK it carries an H7 rating, which means it is fully hardy through British winters; the USDA range 3–9 indicates it tolerates a wide span of northern temperate climates. Use these poppies where their height will be visible above low-growing companions, for example at the rear of a mixed border or beside gravel paths where good drainage is available. Take care when siting them if children or pets access the area, as the plant is toxic. Flowering runs from May to August, so position them to fill a mid- to late-summer flowering role and to show their stems above shorter perennials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Papaver

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Papaver orientale size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran
Toxicity: Toxic

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Papaver orientale

Propagation: Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Papaver orientale?

Papaver orientale prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Papaver orientale need?

Papaver orientale grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Papaver orientale grow?

Papaver orientale reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Papaver orientale hardy in the UK?

Papaver orientale has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Papaver orientale?

Seed, Division.

Is Papaver orientale toxic?

Toxic.

More in the Papaver genus

Browse all Papaver →