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Papaver somniferum (Paeoniiflorum Group) ‘Candy Floss’ (Opium Poppy)

Opium Poppy 'Candy Floss'

Papaver somniferum 'Candy Floss',  Opium Poppy 'Candy Floss', Pink Poppy, Pink Flower, Pink Papaver, Pink Opium Poppy

Papaver somniferum (Paeoniiflorum Group) ‘Candy Floss’ (Opium Poppy) is an upright annual boasting large, fully double flowers densely packed with lilac petals. Blooming for weeks in summer, the ravishing blooms sit on top of stout stems clad with deeply-lobed, silvery leaves. They are followed by decorative seed pods that can be used in dried flower arrangements, or left in the garden for the visual interest they bring. Easy to grow, deer resistant, this Opium Poppy will give a color punch to your beds and borders.

  • Grows up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm). May need staking.
  • Prefers full sun to light shade in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil. Opium Poppy is drought tolerant.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, gravel gardens, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows.
  • Opium Poppy attracts bees and butterflies.
  • 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. This poppy is toxic to humans, cats and dogs. Deer are smart enough to avoid this plant.
  • Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Papaver somniferum is probably native to the eastern Mediterranean, but has now naturalized across much of Europe and Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
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
Common names Opium Poppy, Poppy, Breadseed Poppy
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
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
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Papaver somniferum (Paeoniiflorum Group) ‘Schwarzer Drachen’ (Opium Poppy)
Papaver bracteatum (Great Scarlet Poppy)
Papaver somniferum (Laciniatum Group) ‘Black Swan’ (Opium Poppy)
Papaver somniferum (Paeoniiflorum Group) ‘Black Paeony’ (Opium Poppy)
Papaver somniferum ‘Drama Queen’ (Opium Poppy)
Papaver somniferum ‘Blue Moon’ (Opium Poppy)

Recommended Companion Plants

Iris ‘Venita Faye’ (Bearded Iris)
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium (Meadow Rue)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ (Sage)
Lupinus ‘The Governor’ (Lupine)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ (Ornamental Onion)

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Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy)
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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
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
Common names Opium Poppy, Poppy, Breadseed Poppy
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
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
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Papaver (Poppy)
Guides with
Papaver (Poppy)
Not sure which Papaver (Poppy) to pick?
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