Opium Poppy, Breadseed Poppy, Lettuce Leaf Poppy, Carnation Poppy, Peony Poppy, Fairy's Charms, Joan Silver Pin, John's Silver Pin, Marble Flower, Maw Seed
Papaver somniferum, commonly known as Opium Poppy, is a versatile plant that offers stunning flowers, ornamental seed pods, and practical culinary and medicinal applications. Its vibrant blooms and low-maintenance nature make it a delightful addition to gardens, while its historical significance and cautionary requirements highlight its complexity. Whether adorning borders or enhancing wildflower meadows, the opium poppy captivates with its enduring charm and utility.
Plant Family: Opium poppy belongs to the Papaveraceae family, which includes other notable poppies such as the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale), Flanders Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), and the Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule). This family of plants is renowned for its striking flowers, self-seeding abilities, and adaptability to various environments.
Native Habitat: The opium poppy is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, including countries such as Greece, Turkey, and surrounding areas. Over centuries, its cultivation spread across Europe, Asia, and eventually to other parts of the world. Today, opium poppies are commonly grown in agricultural and ornamental settings, adapting well to various climates.
Description: This annual flowering plant is recognized for its large, dramatic blossoms and ornamental seed pods. The flowers, up to 5 inches (12 cm) across, come in various colors, from pure white to deep red and purple, often with a dark blotch at the base. After the petals drop, the plant produces a distinctive large, round seed pod.
Growth Habit & Size: The opium poppy grows upright and can reach up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) in height and about 8-12 inches wide (20-30 cm). These plants self-sow, maintaining their presence in the garden.
Flowers: The showy flowers are semi-double, double, or adorned with fringed petals. They have four to six petals, often with a dark spot at their base, and sit on top of sturdy stems. The large petals surround a green, spherical capsule topped by a disk formed by the flower’s stigmas. The large peony flowered poppies referred to as Peony Poppies (Papaver somniferum Paeoniiflorum Group) are quite popular.
Foliage: The leaves of the opium poppy are silvery-green, lobed, and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The foliage, as well as other parts of the plant, can be somewhat hairy.
Blooming Season: Opium poppies typically bloom from late spring to early summer, depending on the climate and planting time.
Seed Capsules: Opium poppies are still attractive and ornamental once the petals disappear. Their decorative seed capsules remain. They can be used in dried flower arrangements or left in the garden for visual interest. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds, which escape when the seed pod is shaken by the wind. These poppies are among the best for reseeding in the garden.
Hardiness: Opium poppies are hardy and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. They tolerate frost and prefer cooler spring temperatures.
Uses: Opium Poppy is primarily cultivated for three reasons:
Pollinators: Bees are attracted to the poppy’s large, vibrant flowers and act as primary pollinators.
Toxicity: All plant parts, except the seeds, contain powerful alkaloids and are toxic if ingested. Opium Poppy is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Deer and Rabbit: Opium poppies are generally resistant to deer and rabbits due to their toxicity.
Drought: Once established, opium poppies are drought-tolerant, although they prefer regular water for optimal growth.
Invasiveness: While opium poppies can self-seed, they are not typically considered invasive.
Key Facts: Opium poppies have a long history of use. Their cultivation dates back to at least 3400 B.C. in lower Mesopotamia. Despite their beauty, growing opium poppies for purposes other than as an ornamental plant may be illegal in some areas due to their use in producing narcotics.
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals |
Plant Family | Papaveraceae |
Genus | Papaver |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Petr Ganaj, Shutterstock, Tony Austin, Flickr
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals |
Plant Family | Papaveraceae |
Genus | Papaver |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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