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Herbaceous Perennial

Papaver rupifragum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Spanish poppy

A clump-forming perennial with lobed leaves up to 15cm long. In summer it produces solitary, bowl-shaped, light orange, single to semi-double flowers up to 8cm across. May self-seed and can be short-lived

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Papaver can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer-shaped, 4-petalled flowers which may be solitary or in racemes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Spain, N Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame, or by division, in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt

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