Papaver orientale explained

Papaver orientale, the Oriental poppy, is a perennial flowering plant^[1] native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, and northern Iran.

Oriental poppies grow a mound of leaves that are hairy and finely dissected in spring. They gather energy and bloom in mid-summer. After flowering, the foliage dies away entirely, a property that allows their survival in the summer drought of Central Asia. Gardeners can place late-developing plants nearby to fill the developing gap.

Cultivation

Papaver orientale usually thrives in soil pH 6.5 to 7.5 and in full sun or part shade. Seeds are sown after the potential of frost has passed, the average temperature is approximately 21 °C and when soil has thoroughly warmed. The seeds are sown at a depth of about one centimeter, or less as light may stimulate germination. Oriental Poppies do not handle transplanting or over-watering well. Germination period is 10–20 days. Mulch can be used to protect the plant over the winter and deadheading will produce a second flower.

Cultivars

Cultivars (those marked have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit):-^[2]

Name Colour Aglaja ^[3] salmon pink Barr's White white Beauty of Livermere red Black and White ^[4] white/black Brilliant red Carnival white/orange/red Carousel white/orange picotee Cedric Morris ^[5] pale pink/black Effendi ^[6] pale orange Fatima white/pink picotee GI Joe red (double) Helen Elizabeth pink Indian Chief mahogany red John III ^[7] orange-red Karine ^[8] pale pink / red

Name Colour Khedive ^[9] pale salmon / black Leuchtfeuer ^[10] orange Lighthouse ^[11] pale pink/maroon Maiden's Blush white Olympia orange Papillon pink plum Perry's White white Picotee white/orange picotee Pinnacle white/red Royal Wedding white Türkenlouis red Watermelon pink

See also

Oriental Poppies, 1927 painting by Georgia O'Keeffe

Sources

• Garden Guides: Oriental Poppy varieties

Notes and References

1. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PAOR5 USDA Profile
2. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 71 . Royal Horticultural Society . 17 April 2018.
3. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Ajaga'. 16 January 2021.
4. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Black and White'. 16 January 2021.
5. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Cedric Morris'. 16 January 2021.
6. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Effendi'. 16 January 2021.
7. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'John III'. 16 January 2021.
8. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Karine'. 16 January 2021.
9. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Khedive'. 16 January 2021.
10. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Leuchtfeuer'. 16 January 2021.
11. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Papaver orientale 'Lighthouse'. 16 January 2021.