About
Papaver rupifragum, the Spanish poppy, is a clump-forming perennial with lobed leaves to 15 cm long. In summer it produces solitary, bowl-shaped, light-orange, single to semi-double flowers up to 8 cm across. May self-seed and can be short-lived. A rewarding and ornamental poppy for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Papaver, the poppies, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer- or bowl-shaped, four-petalled flowers borne singly or in racemes. Popular and colourful garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toS Spain, N Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame, or by division, in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt