About
This annual poppy to 90cm high, with deeply toothed, pale blue-green leaves. In early summer, produces densely double, dark reddish purple flowers on tall leafy stems, followed by large, blue-green seed pods.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
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
CultivationGrow in a sunny spot in well drained soil, with plenty of organic matter dug in before sowing. May need support, as flowers can be heavy after rain (see staking perennials)
PruningDeadhead if seed is not required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown successionally and in situ from early spring. Thin seedlings as required, but they do not like to be transplanted
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt