About
In late spring to early summer, produces semi-double orange flowers with fine-textured, papery petals. A clump-forming short-lived perennial poppy, to 45cm high, with deeply toothed or lobed grey-green leaves. A prolific self-seeder.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
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