Oriental Poppies: Flamboyant Early Summer Blooms

Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) bursts into bloom in early summer with flamboyant bowl-shaped flowers 4–6 inches across on leafy 2- to 4-foot stalks. A low mound of long, narrow, bristly yet soft leaves forms the base. The original orange is now joined by red, scarlet, pink, salmon, white, and bicolors. One clump spreads nearly 2 feet wide; three together create a dramatic color splash.

Growing Requirements

Oriental poppies need winter chill for best performance, thriving in cold-winter, cool-summer regions. In these areas, they're easy in ordinary, well-drained garden soil. Plant from roots or containers in early fall. Apply complete fertilizer in spring during the first season.

They grow from a fleshy taproot and dislike division. Increase plantings via root cuttings in summer.

Zones: 1-11, 14-21, 30-45
Exposure: Full sun
Water: Regular to moderate