Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' (opium poppy 'Lauren's Grape') — Columnar upright

Overview

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' is a columnar upright 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 somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, borders and containers.

About

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' is a cultivar of the opium poppy, a member of the Papaveraceae family. This annual or biennial plant grows with a columnar upright habit, reaching between 0.5 and 1 metre in height within a year. It has deciduous foliage and a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres. Suited to full sun or partial shade, it thrives in various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. It is drought resistant and typically of interest in spring.

About the genus

Papaver is a genus of 70–100 species of frost-tolerant annuals, biennials, and perennials native to temperate and cold regions of Eurasia, Africa and North America. It is the type genus of the poppy family, Papaveraceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Papaver", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Papaver

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Papaver

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Columnar upright
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1 year
Suggested uses: Wildflower meadows, Cottage gardens, Borders, Containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Aphids
Disease resistance: Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Fungal wilts, Verticillium wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'?

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' need?

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.