Overview
Papaver rhoeas is a clump forming annual biennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Papaver rhoeas grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, coastal, cottage and informal garden and gravel garden. It is native to Europe, N Africa and W Asia.
About
Papaver rhoeas is an upright annual that typically reaches heights of 75 to 90 cm. It features elongated, soft-textured light green leaves that can grow up to 15 cm in length. During the summer months, this plant produces single, bowl-shaped flowers that are primarily bright red, occasionally exhibiting black markings at the bases of the petals. These blooms emerge on short, downy stems.
About the genus
Papaver encompasses annuals, biennials, or herbaceous perennials characterized by either simple or pinnately lobed leaves. The flowers are typically ephemeral, featuring a saucer shape with four petals, and can appear either as solitary blooms or in racemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Papaver
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Papaver rhoeas size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, W Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Papaver rhoeas
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained fertile soil in full sun
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Papaver rhoeas?
Grow in any well-drained fertile soil in full sun.
Where is the best place to plant Papaver rhoeas?
Papaver rhoeas prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Papaver rhoeas need?
Papaver rhoeas is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Papaver rhoeas?
No pruning required.
How big does Papaver rhoeas grow?
Papaver rhoeas reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Papaver rhoeas hardy in the UK?
Papaver rhoeas has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Papaver rhoeas?
Propagate by seed.
Is Papaver rhoeas good for pollinators?
Yes — Papaver rhoeas attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.