Papaver setiferum

RHS Plant Profile
oriental poppy

Synonyms

Papaver pseudoorientale

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A perennial poppy, to 70cm high, with bristly stems and a rosette of divided and toothed green leaves covered with silvery hairs. In early to mid summer, produces up to 10 upright, hairy buds, that open to large, orange-red flowers, often with black blotches at the base of the petals

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will thrive in most soils, as long as there is good drainage, but a moderately fertile, humus-rich moist soil that is not too acidic is ideal. Position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division in spring, or by root cuttings in late autumn and early winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • 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