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Overview

Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) is a perennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Q144723 family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) 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 'May Queen' (double) is a perennial poppy that bears double flowerheads on erect stems to about 1.0 m. It favours a sunny, open position in sandy or loamy soils that are moist but well-drained. Flowering runs from May to August, making it a summer-flowering perennial. The plant is toxic if ingested, so take care where children or pets might have access.

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 'May Queen' (double) is a perennial from the genus Papaver, native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. Its double blooms are carried on upright stems that typically reach around 1.0 m, producing a clear vertical element in the border during the summer months. Plant in a full-sun site on sandy or loamy soil that drains freely while retaining some moisture; avoid waterlogged positions. The cultivar is fully hardy (H7) in the UK, so it tolerates normal winter conditions across the country. An open, sunny aspect will support the best flowering performance from May to August. Use plants in sunny borders where their height and double flowerheads can be shown off, or include them where stems are required for cutting. Because the species is toxic if ingested, position specimens away from play areas and take care when handling spent material. Expect a concentrated display through the May to August flowering window and position groups to give the season a strong architectural presence.

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 'May Queen' (double) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Perennial
Height
1.0 m
Suggested uses
Borders, Cut flowers
Native to
Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double)

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter
Pruning
Remove spent flowers to encourage tidiness; cut back foliage after flowering
Propagation
Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double)?

Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter.

Where is the best place to plant Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double)?

Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) need?

Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double)?

Remove spent flowers to encourage tidiness; cut back foliage after flowering.

How big does Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) grow?

Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) hardy in the UK?

Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) 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 'May Queen' (double)?

Seed, Division.

Is Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double) toxic?

Toxic if ingested.

More in the Papaver genus

Browse all Papaver →
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