Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy)
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)
Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) is a tall, upright annual from which both opium and poppy seeds are derived. It is also a valuable ornamental plant bearing large flowers, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), in various color shades including white, mauve, red, pink, purple, and almost jet black. Flowers are semi-double, double, or adorned with fringed petals. Quite popular are the large peony flowered poppies referred to as Peony Poppies (Papaver somniferum Paeoniiflorum Group).
The large petals surround a green, spherical capsule topped by a disk formed by the stigmas of the flower. Blooming for weeks in summer, the spectacular blooms sit on top of sturdy stems clad with lobed or toothed silver-green leaves, the upper ones clasping the stem.
Opium poppies are still attractive and ornamental once the petals fall away. Their decorative seed capsules remain. They can be used in dried flower arrangements, or left in the garden for the visual interest they bring. 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.
Papaver somniferum is probably native to the eastern Mediterranean but has now naturalized across much of Europe and Asia.
All parts of the plant exude white latex when wounded.
Click here to see all Opium Poppy varieties
Opium Poppy is grown for 3 primary purposes:
- Its poppy seeds are an important food source. They are used in bakery products and for seasoning, oil, and bird seed. The seeds contain very low levels of opiates and the oil extracted from them contains even less.
- Its opium, which is the dried latex produced by the seed capsules. Opiates are extracted from the opium for medical purposes (morphine, codeine, narcotine, thebaine) or illicit purposes (opium, heroin).
- Opium Poppy is also sought after by gardeners for its brightly colored flowers, hardiness, reliability, and its ease of cultivation. Easy to grow, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant, Opium Poppies give a color punch to beds and borders.
Click here to compare all Opium Poppy varieties
- Opium Poppies grow up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 8-12 in. wide (20-30 cm). These plants self-sow, maintaining their presence in the garden.
- Opium Poppies prefer full sun to light shade in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant.
- Opium Poppies are spectacular additions to beds and borders, gravel gardens, cottage gardens, or prairies and meadows.
- Opium Poppies attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and beneficial insects.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids and downy mildews.
- Deadhead spent flowers if seeding is not desired.
- Propagate by seed in situ during spring.
- Harmful if eaten. Opium Poppy is toxic to humans, cats and dogs. Deer are smart enough to avoid this plant.
- Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
3 - 8
|
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9
|
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Annuals |
| Plant Family | Papaver - Poppies |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| 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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Compare All Papaver - Poppies Great Plant Combination
Ideas with Papaver - Poppies Guides with Papaver - Poppies
Recommended Companion Plants
Garden Examples
Petr Ganaj, Shutterstock, Tony Austin, Flickr
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, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Annuals |
| Plant Family | Papaver - Poppies |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| 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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Compare All Papaver - Poppies Great Plant Combination
Ideas with Papaver - Poppies Guides with Papaver - Poppies
Related Items
Guides
Best Annual Flowers For Your Vegetable Garden
Vegetables love flowers. Aside from adding a splash of...
Garden
A Pretty Summer Border with Roses, Foxgloves and Poppies
Adding a soft punch of color and fruity fragrance to the...
Plant Family
Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)
Highlights of the garden from late spring to early summer,...
Garden
An Eye-Catching Spring Border with Irises, Foxgloves and Poppies
Easy to replicate and relatively low maintenance, this...
Garden
A Pretty Planting Combination with Alliums, Poppies and Columbines
This lovely plant combination is rich in many exciting...
Garden
A Casual and Impressionistic Planting Combination
A scenery that reminds of Monet's Poppy Field in...
Garden
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Siberian Irises and Oriental Poppies
This garden bursts with early season color and elegant,...
Garden
An Eye-Catching Border Idea with Allium, Oriental Poppies and Salvia
Such a spectacular plant combination to cheer you up for...
Garden
A Stunning Perennial Planting Idea with Oriental Poppies, Irises, Alliums and Sage
Create stunning, easy care and long-lasting border...
Garden
A Casual Border with Poppies, Tickseed and Mullein
This prairie-style planting combines easy-to-grow annuals...
Garden
An Impressive Planting Combination with Alliums, Poppies and Sage
Are you striving to embellish your borders in a striking...
Garden
A Pretty Spring Border with Allium, Poppies and Wedding Cake Tree
One of the most stunning variegated trees, Cornus...
