Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale)
By Margaret Wolf, Master Gardener
Colorado State University Extension, Larimer County
June 2, 2007
In late spring, the Oriental poppy produces large showy flowers. Flower colors include red, orange, pink, white and bi-colored forms. Many of the silky, bowl-shaped flowers have inky dark blotches at the base of the petals and colorful stamens in the center. These flowers emerge from distinctive buds covered with bristly hairs. After petals fall, the remaining seed pod adds interest and texture to the garden.
Careful placement of oriental poppies is essential. Poppies prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. The foliage takes up a large area when the poppies bloom and dies back during the hot weeks of mid-summer, leaving a conspicuous gap. Place oriental poppies in the middle or back of the garden to hide the foliage when it yellows and dies back in summer. A companion plant, such as baby's breath or whirling butterflies, can help camouflage the open space. The foliage will reappear when the plant resumes growth in late summer. As temperatures cool in September, new foliage emerges from the crown and persists through winter. The plants are hardy in zones two to seven, and do well in mountain gardens at high elevations. Provide mulch for winter protection. The height of most plants is 36 inches with a spread of 24 inches. Oriental poppies may be left undisturbed indefinitely. The clumps become large, but are generally not invasive.
To add drama to cut flower arrangements, cut tight buds in early morning. The flowers last longer if the buds haven't opened. Sear the cut end of the stem before placing it in water.
Propagate poppies by seed, division or root cuttings. Seeds germinate in 10 to 15 days at 55 degrees and need exposure to light. Start seed in peat pots or sow directly in the garden. Division is done in September as the plants start growing again. Take two inch root cuttings and place right-side up in sandy soil, or lay horizontally. Plants may take two years to come back into bloom after dividing or transplanting.
Popular cultivars include:
- 'Allegro' - Scarlet flowers with darker centers
- 'Beauty of Livermore' - Dark red flowers
- 'Brilliant' - Vivid scarlet flowers
- 'Carnival' - A bicolor that is white and red
- 'Cedar Hill' - Pink flowers
- 'China Boy' - Large orange flowers with white centers
- 'Eskimo Pie' - White flowers with dark centers
- 'Fatima' - White flowers are edged with pale pink
- 'Helen Elizabeth' - Soft pink flowers
- 'Perry's White' - White flowers
- 'Pinnacle' - Bicolor: white with red edges
- 'Prince of Orange' - Orange-scarlet flowers
- 'Princess Victoria Louise' - Salmon-pink flowers
- 'Queen Alexander' - Bright, salmon-pink flowers
- 'Raspberry Queen' - Raspberry pink flowers
- 'Royal Wedding' - White flowers
- 'Showgirl' - Bright pink flowers fade to white at the base of the petals
- 'Snow Queen' - White flowers with black centers
- 'Spring Morn' - Pink flowers have darker centers
- 'Turkenlouis' - Bright red flowers have fringed petals
- 'Turkish Delight' - Pink flowers
- 'Victoria Dreyfuss' - Large salmon-colored flowers are edged in silver
- 'Warlord' - Dark red flowers
- 'Waterbabies' - Flowers are red to pink
- 'White King'- Large white flowers with black splotches in the center.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension Fact Sheet(s) at ext.colostate.edu:
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