Papaver rhoeas (Common poppy) — Clump forming

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 H5. Suggested uses include wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, borders and containers.

About

Papaver rhoeas, with common names including common poppy, corn poppy, corn rose, field poppy, Flanders poppy, red poppy, and Odai, is an annual herbaceous species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is native to north Africa and temperate Eurasia and is introduced into temperate areas on all other continents except Antarctica. It is regarded as an agricultural weed (hence the common names including "corn" and "field"). As the plant thrives in areas of disturbed soil, it was often abundant in agricultural fields before the advent of herbicides. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Papaver rhoeas

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

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: H5

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: Wildflower meadows, Cottage gardens, Borders, Containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Papaver rhoeas

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Aphids
Disease resistance: Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Fungal wilts, Verticillium wilt

Frequently asked questions

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.