About
A herbaceous perennial to 1m in height, with bristly, pinnate basal leaves and erect, unbranched stems bearing 10cm in width, deep red flowers 10-15cm across, each petal with a blackish-purple spot at base.
About the genus
Papaver can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer-shaped, 4-petalled flowers which may be solitary or in racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Turkey, N Iran, Caucasus
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support
PruningCut down once flowers fade and foliage looks tatty
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by root cuttings in late autumn to early winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt