Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') (Oriental poppy 'Stormtorch') — Perennial

Overview

Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') is a perennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Papaveraceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') 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 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 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') is an Oriental poppy from the Caucasus region, northeastern Turkey and northern Iran. As a perennial, it invests in a spring leaf rosette and then carries its flowers through the period from May to August. Its growth habit and seasonal display reflect its origins in well-drained soils of temperate highlands. Place plants in a sunny, open position; the cultivar prefers full sun and performs best on sandy or loamy soils that drain freely, although soils that remain moist are acceptable provided drainage is good. Allow about 1.0 m for mature height when planning spacing. In the UK it is fully hardy (H7) and will tolerate the colder winters encompassed by USDA zones 3–9. Use Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') where a bold seasonal flowering is wanted in a sunny mixed border, gravel bed or perennial scheme. Combine with later-developing perennials so something comes forward as the flowering period concludes, and avoid heavy shade or waterlogged hollows when siting; its flowering run is concentrated from May to August, so plan companions to complement that window.

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 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel')

Propagation: Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel')?

Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') need?

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

How big does Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') grow?

Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Papaver orientale 'Stormtorch' ('Sturmfackel') hardy in the UK?

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