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 prairie planting and gravel garden.
About
This upright annual reaches heights of up to 90 cm and features deeply lobed, grey-green foliage. Its distinct single flowers are bowl-shaped and can measure up to 10 cm in diameter, showcasing a rich purple hue with a glossy black mark at the base. After blooming, it produces ornamental seedpods resembling pepper shakers, making it suitable for both fresh and dried arrangements.
About the genus
Papaver encompasses annuals, biennials, or herbaceous perennials characterized by either simple or pinnately lobed leaves. The flowers are typically ephemeral, featuring a saucer shape with four petals, and can appear either as solitary blooms or in racemes.
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
- Prairie planting, Gravel garden
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required but deadhead to prevent re-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in situ in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews in wet conditions and fungal wilts
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'?
Easy to grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
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.
How do I prune Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'?
No pruning required but deadhead to prevent re-seeding.
How big does Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' grow?
Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' hardy in the UK?
Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'?
Propagate by seed in situ in spring.
Is Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' toxic?
Harmful 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.