Papaver Orientale or Oriental Poppy

Papaver Orientale or Oriental Poppy

Papaver orientale, commonly called Oriental Poppy, is among the most popular poppies available. They are clump-forming plants that most often feature flowers in shades of red, orange and pink. Serrated, thistle-like, grayish-green leaves (to 12” long) are pinnately dissected into lance-shaped segments and have a somewhat weedy appearance. Foliage yellows and dies shortly after flowering, typically leaving a hole in the garden. Basal mats of new leaves appear in fall and overwinter until spring when the foliage puts on a spurt of growth up until the point when the flowers bloom.

Best grown in organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Performs well in average garden soils as long as drainage is good. This is a cold weather plant that needs a period of winter dormancy, and generally will not grow well south of USDA Zone 7. It is generally intolerant of the high summer heat and humidity in the deep South.

 

Divide in August/September.

Excellent for cutting, when picked just as the buds open.

 

 

Hardiness zone: 3-9

Sun Exposure:    Full Sun  

Soil Moisture:      Average or Moist

Blooming Time:   Late Spring-Early Summer

Foliage Color:      Light Green 

Plant Uses:         Border, Cut Flower, Fragrant

Flower Size:        4-6"

Height:                 25-29 inches

Spread:               31-35 inches

Resistant for:      Rabbit and Deer

Attracts:              Butterflies

Back to blog