Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' (Peter Pan Oriental Poppy) — Perennial

Overview

Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' is a perennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Papaveraceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' 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 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 'Peter Pan' is a perennial in the poppy genus originating from the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. In the UK it produces its flowering display from May to August and typically reaches about 1.0 m at maturity, providing upright stems suited to summer bouquets. Plant into a position with full sun and a free-draining sandy or loamy soil; the plant prefers a balance of moisture that is moist but well-drained rather than waterlogged. Its UK hardiness rating of H7 means it is fully hardy and can be left outdoors year-round across British gardens; the equivalent USDA range is zones 3–9. Allow space for the mature height so stems can develop without being shaded out by neighbours. It is most often used in herbaceous borders and specifically as a source of cut flowers, where stems supply seasonal blooms between May and August. Because all parts are toxic if ingested, avoid planting where children or livestock might browse. Flowers produced in the stated season supply long stems suitable for cutting into arrangements.

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 'Peter Pan' 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 'Peter Pan'

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 'Peter Pan'?

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

Where is the best place to plant Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan'?

Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' need?

Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' 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 'Peter Pan'?

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

How big does Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' grow?

Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' hardy in the UK?

Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' 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 'Peter Pan'?

Seed, Division.

Is Papaver orientale 'Peter Pan' toxic?

Toxic if ingested.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Papaver genus

Browse all Papaver →