About
This smooth, glaucous annual, to 120cm, with heart-shaped leaves, the upper ones clasping the stem and with toothed, wavy margins. Double and laciniate forms are widely available. Colour is variable, often white or mauve, but garden selections may be in many shades of red, pink, purple and near black. The capsule enlarges after flowering and makes a decorative cut flower fresh or dried. The wide-open flowers have large petals surrounding a green, urn-shaped capsule with a flat cap, and many dark purple or yellow stamens.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesGravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW & C Mediterranean, Macaronesia
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Short-lived flowers have distinctive ""pepper-pot"" seed pods
PruningNo pruning required but deadhead if seed is not required
PropagationPropagate by seed in situ during spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt