About
A biennial with rosettes of intricately divided silvery blue-green leaves. In the second year, bears subtle apricot-orange flowers in summer, before dying. It should self-seed successfully.
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 typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Annual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden
Native toTurkey Iran
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Ideal for scree gardens, rock gardens or an alpine house
PruningCut back faded flowers and foliage as it dies back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed and sow as soon as ripe in late summer/autumn. Self-seeds readily in well-drained conditions.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt