A diverse group of hybrid perennial poppies, ranging from 50-90cm in height, with bristly stems and variously divided, lobed and toothed green leaves. In late spring to early summer, large cup or bowl-shaped flowers are produced, in shades of white, pink, purple and red, sometimes with basal blotches or frilled petals
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Will thrive in most soils, as long as there is good drainage, but a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is not too acidic is ideal. Position in full sun and provide support, as stems can flop after heavy rain (see staking perennials). Many cultivars die back after flowering, but produce a fresh flush of growth in autumn
Propagate by root cuttings in late autumn and early winter; while these hybrids may produce seed, plants grown from these may not be true to the parent plant
Cut spent flowering stems back to the ground, unless seed heads are required. Cut back foliage as it fades in summer
May be susceptible to aphids
May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt