Papaver orientale 'Indian Chief' (Indian Chief Oriental Poppy) — Perennial

Overview

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

About

Papaver orientale 'Indian Chief' is an Oriental poppy perennial that reaches about 1.0 m and provides a summer flowering display from May to August. It is native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. Grow it in full sun on sandy or loamy, well-drained soil and expect a season of upright flowering stems. Suited to mixed borders and for cutting.

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 'Indian Chief' is an oriental poppy perennial originating from the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. It grows to about 1.0 m and produces its display in the UK between May and August, making it a summer-flowering presence where space allows. Give plants a site in full sun with good exposure and a free-draining soil; sandy or loamy soils are listed as suitable and the plant tolerates moist but well-drained conditions. The British hardiness rating is H7, which means it is fully hardy in the UK; the equivalent USDA range is 3–9. Allow for its height when siting among other herbaceous perennials so the flower stems are not shaded during the flowering months. Use Papaver orientale 'Indian Chief' where tall, season-specific flowers are wanted: it is recommended for mixed borders and as a source of cut flowers. Positioning it in a sunny stretch of border where stems can be cut for vases will make the most of its May–August bloom period.

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 'Indian Chief' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cut flowers
Native to: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Papaver orientale 'Indian Chief'

Cultivation: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Avoid disturbance once established.
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Seed, Division