About
Papaver orientale, the oriental poppy, is a perennial poppy to 90 cm with bristly stems and intricately divided, dark-green leaves covered with silvery hairs. In early to midsummer, pendant buds straighten and open to large, bowl-shaped, orange-red flowers to 15 cm across with small, purple-black basal blotches. One of the most spectacular of all border perennials for a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Papaver, the poppies, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer- or bowl-shaped, four-petalled flowers borne singly or in racemes. Popular and colourful garden plants.
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 hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
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
PruningCut spent flowering stems back to the ground, cut back foliage as it fades
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division in spring, or by root cuttings in late autumn and early winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt