Overview
Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' is a bushy 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 year. Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' 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 city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' is an annual poppy that reaches a height of up to 60 cm. Its foliage consists of finely dissected, light green leaves covered with delicate silvery hairs. From late spring to early summer, it produces ruffled flowers, either single or semi-double, on slender stems, showcasing hues of silver and grey-blue.
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 'Amazing Grey' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey'
- Cultivation
- Grow in a sunny spot in well drained soil, with plenty of organic matter dug in before sowing
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown successionally and in situ from early spring. Thin seedlings as required, but they do not like to be transplanted. Leave some plants to seed after flowering to provide replacements for the next year
- 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 'Amazing Grey'?
Grow in a sunny spot in well drained soil, with plenty of organic matter dug in before sowing.
Where is the best place to plant Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey'?
Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' need?
Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' 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 'Amazing Grey'?
Deadhead to prolong flowering.
How big does Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' grow?
Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' hardy in the UK?
Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey'?
Propagate by seed, sown successionally and in situ from early spring. Thin seedlings as required, but they do not like to be transplanted. Leave some plants to seed after flowering to provide replacements for the next year.
Is Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' good for pollinators?
Yes — Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.