About
This upright annual, to 90cm tall, with deeply lobed, grey-green leaves and single, bowl-shaped, rich purple flowers, to 10cm across, with a glossy black basal blotch, which are followed by decorative pepperpot seedpods; good for cutting fresh or dried.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Gravel garden
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
PruningNo pruning required but deadhead to prevent re-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed in situ in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews in wet conditions and fungal wilts