This clumping perennial has runners and erect stems that form a low bushy habit. It has divided blue-green leaves and the cup-shaped scarlet flowers appear solitary above the foliage on a slender stem from late spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 3 to 19

Papaver orientale is naturally found from south-west Asia to Turkey growing in well drained, fertile moist sandy to clay loams in an open sunny wind protected position. It is frost and mild drought tolerant and prefers wind protection.

The Oriental Poppy is a hardy perennial that is grown for its flowers and is mass planting for bedding displays in parks and large gardens. It is also grown in small or cottage gardens and is used in pots and tubs for colour. It establishes from seed in 1 to 2 years but may be short lived. ID 1155

Papaver(pa-PAH-ver) orientale(o-ree-en-TAH-lee)

Papaveraceae (pa-pav-er-AY-see-ee)
Poppies