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Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)

Oriental Poppy

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

What is Oriental Poppy?

Papaver orientale, commonly known as Oriental Poppy, is a perennial flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family. Native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, and northern Iran, it’s widely cultivated for its large, vibrant, and showy flowers.

Habit and Size: Oriental Poppies have a clump-forming growth habit. The plant produces a rosette of hairy leaves deeply divided into lance-shaped segments. They can grow up to 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide, though most garden varieties are somewhat smaller.

Flowers: One of the main attractions of the Oriental Poppy is its flowers. The blooms can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) across, displaying four to six petals with a dark blotch at the base. Colors range from bright scarlet to pink, white, and orange, with a black or sometimes dark purple center formed by the clustered stamens.

Blooming Season: The Oriental Poppy’s blooming season is late spring to early summer. Incredibly showy, the flowers last about 10 days before fading away for another year. After blooming, the foliage dies back during the heat of summer, only to regrow as the weather cools in the fall.

Seedpods: 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 their visual interest.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. These plants do not respond well to high summer heat and humidity.

Uses: This plant’s strikingly beautiful flowers make it a popular choice in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. It’s used for its high-impact colors and its dramatic, large flowers.

Pollinators: The flowers of Papaver orientale are a significant attraction for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, with their bright colors and generous pollen offering.

Deer and Rabbit: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Oriental poppies, likely due to its hairy stems and leaves.

Unique lifecycle: A notable fact about Papaver orientale is its contrasting lifecycle. It puts on a spectacular show of color in late spring and early summer but goes dormant and disappears completely in the heat of summer. The plant returns as the weather cools in late summer or early fall, presenting a fresh mound of foliage. This unique cycle can be a useful consideration when planning a garden’s continuous display.

Guide Information

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, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Papaver
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained, Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Edging, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Prairie and Meadow
Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Eye Catcher’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Perry’s White’ (Oriental Poppy)

Why Should I Grow Oriental Poppy?

Growing Oriental Poppy can add a burst of vibrant color and a touch of drama to your garden. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider growing these beautiful plants:

Striking Flowers: Oriental Poppies are famous for their large, showy flowers. The blooms can add a stunning display of color to your garden, creating an eye-catching focal point.

Attracts Pollinators: These flowers are a big draw for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help boost your garden’s overall health and productivity.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, Oriental Poppies can tolerate short periods of drought, making them a good choice for areas with dry summers.

Easy to Grow: Despite their exotic appearance, Oriental Poppies are relatively easy to grow, provided they are planted in a sunny location and well-draining soil.

Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The hairy leaves and stems of Oriental Poppies tend to deter deer and rabbits, making these plants a good choice if these animals are common in your area.

Fills Spring Gap: Oriental Poppies bloom in late spring to early summer, a time when many other perennials are not yet in full swing. This makes them a valuable addition for continuous color in your garden.

Cut Flowers: The vibrant and large blooms of Oriental Poppies make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring a touch of your garden’s beauty indoors.

Papaver orientale ‘Fancy Feathers’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Marlene’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Turkenlouis’ (Oriental Poppy)

Garden Design with Oriental Poppy Flowers

Designing a garden with Oriental Poppy is a fantastic way to introduce dramatic, vibrant colors to your space. Here are some tips to incorporate them into your garden design:

Mixed Perennial Borders: Plant Oriental Poppies in a mixed border with other sun-loving perennials. Their dramatic blooms make them excellent focal points in the garden.

Cottage Gardens: Oriental Poppies are perfect for a classic cottage garden, providing a burst of color among other traditional plants like roses, lavender, and foxgloves.

Mass Plantings: For a spectacular display, plant Oriental Poppies en masse. The intense color can create an eye-catching feature in your landscape.

Late Spring to Early Summer Bloomers: Since Oriental Poppies bloom from late spring to early summer, pair them with other plants that bloom at the same time for a cohesive look. Peonies, iris, and early roses can work well.

Foliage Contrast: Oriental Poppies have hairy, deeply-cut, grey-green foliage that can provide a nice contrast to plants with smoother, broader leaves, such as hostas or sedums.

Pair with Late Summer Bloomers: Remember that Oriental Poppies go dormant during the summer, so plan for this by pairing them with late summer blooming plants. As the poppies fade, plants like daylilies, Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), or Russian sage (Perovskia) can take over the show.

Use in Cut Flower Gardens: Oriental Poppies make excellent cut flowers. If you enjoy bringing fresh blooms indoors, consider planting them in a designated cutting garden along with other great cut flowers.

Remember to plant Oriental Poppies in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Give them enough space, as overcrowded poppies can become susceptible to diseases. Always remember to plant with the “bare spot” in mind, since the poppies will go dormant in the heat of summer.

Papaver orientale ‘Harlem’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Royal Wedding’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Tiffany’ (Oriental Poppy)

Companion Plants for Your Oriental Poppies

When choosing companion plants for Oriental Poppies, consider plants that can tolerate the same sunny and well-draining conditions and can cover the gap left when the poppies go dormant in summer. Here are some suggestions:

Late Bloomers: Since Oriental Poppies bloom in late spring to early summer and then go dormant, pairing them with late-blooming plants can help maintain a colorful garden throughout the summer. Good choices might include Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), Russian sage (Perovskia), or Coneflowers (Echinacea).

Ornamental Grasses: Grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) can provide contrasting texture and help fill the space when the poppies are dormant.

Other Spring Bloomers: Pair Oriental Poppies with other spring-blooming plants to create a lush, vibrant spring garden. Consider companions like Peonies, Iris, or early blooming roses.

Bulbs: Spring bulbs such as Daffodils, Tulips, and Alliums can provide early spring color before the poppies bloom.

Ground Covers: Low-growing ground covers like Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) or Sedums can fill in spaces and provide a contrasting backdrop for the tall, bold poppies.

Other Poppies: For a poppy-themed garden, consider growing Oriental Poppies alongside other types of poppies, like the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) or the field poppy (Papaver rhoeas).

Remember to give all the plants enough space for good air circulation, which can help prevent diseases. And always consider the needs of each plant to ensure they all thrive in your garden.

Companion Plants for Oriental Poppies

Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Paeonia (Peonies)
Salvia (Sage)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Lupinus (Lupine)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)
Iris germanica (Bearded Iris)

How to Grow Oriental Poppy Flowers

Growing Oriental Poppy can be rewarding, as these plants offer dramatic, brightly colored blooms. Here are steps to grow them:

  • Choosing the Right Spot: Oriental Poppies thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they perform best in fertile loam.
  • Planting: Plant Oriental Poppy seeds or plants in spring or fall. If you’re planting seeds, scatter them on the soil’s surface without covering them, as they need light to germinate. If you’re planting potted plants, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the pot, place the plant in the hole, and backfill it with soil.
  • Watering: Water the plants regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Oriental Poppies do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges to help nourish the plant throughout its growing season.
  • Pruning: After the blooms fade, you can cut back the foliage to the ground. This will help the plant conserve energy and potentially promote a second flush of leaves in the fall.
  • Division: Oriental Poppies have a long taproot, making it somewhat difficult to divide or transplant. If necessary, divide them in late summer when they’re dormant.
  • Pest and Disease Control: While these plants are relatively resilient, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases if they’re too wet or crowded. Make sure to provide them with good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Remember, Oriental Poppies are not long-lived perennials and may need to be replaced every few years.

Papaver orientale ‘Manhattan’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Burning Heart’ (Oriental Poppy)
Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ (Oriental Poppy)

Garden Examples

A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Siberian Irises and Oriental Poppies
Vibrant Perennial Mix: Oriental Poppies, Irises, Alliums & Sage
A Casual Border with Poppies, Tickseed and Mullein
A Pretty Spring Border with Allium, Poppies and Wedding Cake Tree
Bearded Irises and Companion Plants – Peach & Purple Theme
Bearded Irises and Companion Plants – Pink & Blue Theme
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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, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Papaver
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained, Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Edging, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Prairie and Meadow
Compare All Papaver (Poppy)
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Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
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