Papaver orientale 'King Kong'
A perennial poppy to 1m high, with bristly stems and finely divided, dark green leaves with fine silvery hairs. In late spring to early summer, very large deep red flowers are produced, up to 18cm across, with ruffled petals with black blotches at the base
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)
Propagate by division in spring, or by root cuttings in late autumn and early winter. Plants may produce seed, but seedlings 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