Alphabetical Plant Listing

Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)

Oriental Poppy (Papaver Orientale)


Highlights of the garden from late spring to early summer, Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale) are truly eye-catching perennials with their huge, silky-satin flowers in shades of red, orange, white or pink. Planted in small groups, their bold blossoms will give a colorful punch to your borders and draw your attention!

  • Growing in clumps up to 2-3 feet tall and wide (60-90 cm), the flowers are generally 4-6 inches wide (10-15 cm) with purple-black centers atop stems clad with thistle-like, silvery-green leaves.
  • Incredibly showy, the flowers last about 10 days or so before fading away for another year.
  • The seedpods that follow the fading flowers are quite attractive and keep the display going for a few more weeks after the flowers have faded. They can be used in dried flower arrangements, or left in the garden for the visual interest they bring.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaver - Poppies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Prairie and Meadow

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaver - Poppies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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