Description
Papaver orientale ‘Prince of Orange & Princess Victoria Louise’ mix
One of the most brilliant herbaceous perennials to grace the early summer garden, few flowers can match the display provided by Oriental Poppies. The result of a complex hybridization of three different Papaver species, Oriental Poppies are best grown in colder climates (USDA zones 3 to 8) and aren’t a good choice for mild-winter regions. The colder the better. For gardeners in zones 3 and 4 who struggle to find perennials that survive the winters these poppies are for you! (Because they are so cold hardy and resilient they are recommended for beginning gardeners.) Poppies will go dormant during the hot, humid summer months… The bristly leaves turn brown in summer and then disappear entirely. Come fall, they re-sprout new leaves that stay evergreen through the winter.
Two colors are included in this mix- ‘Prince of Orange’ which has huge bright-orange flowers & ‘Princess Victoria Louise’ with huge salmon-pink flowers. The flower petals appear to be fashioned of crepe paper and can be more than 6″ across. Each with a distinctive shimmering black eye at the center. Fall is the best time to plant, so they can establish their roots and get the winter chilling they need to bloom the following spring. There’s a chance spring planted Oriental Poppies may not bloom until the following year.
Site Oriental Poppies in full sun. They do well in all types of soils, including clay, but be sure to avoid spots in your landscape that stay wet or puddle after a rain. Adequate drainage is key. The flowers will attract a variety of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, and even hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
When dried, the extra large seed pods are prized by florists for flower arrangements and other crafts – and these are the largest poppy pods of them all! (Folks regularly sell these to florists.) They are substantially larger than all other varieties.
Full sun.
Height: 3- 4 ft
Zones: 3-8
