Papaver Oriental Group

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  RHS Plants for Pollinators plants

  This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.

  It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.

  • Garden Plants
  • Wildflowers
  • Plants of the World

Cultivation

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

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

• Cottage and informal garden
• Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut spent flowering stems back to the ground, unless seed heads are required. Cut back foliage as it fades in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

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