Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001031
11/12/99

Papaver orientale--Oriental Poppy


Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7
Height: 36 in Spread: 24 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Orange, pink, red, white

Comments: Oriental Poppy produces large, (Vis. 1) showy
flowers in the spring. Unless provided with support, the
flowers often flop over. They prefer a sunny location and
any well-drained soil. In extremely fertile soil the plants
may be tall and top heavy. Place Oriental Poppy in the
middle or back of the garden to hide the foliage when it
yellows and dies back in summer. The foliage will
reappear when the plant resumes growth in late summer.
Provide a mulch for winter protection. Tight buds cut in
early morning are longer lasting when used in
arrangements. Sear the cut end of the stem before placing
it in water. The plants may take two years to come back
into bloom after dividing or transplanting.

Propagation: Propagation is by seed, division or root
cuttings. The seed germinates in 10 to 15 days at 55
degrees and needs exposure to light. Start seed in peat
pots or directly in the garden. Division is done in
September as the plants are starting to grow again. Root
cuttings can be made of 2 inch root pieces. These are
placed right side up in sandy soil or they may be laid
horizontally.

Cultivars:
'Allegro' - Scarlet flowers with darker centers.
'Beauty of Livermore' - Dark red flowers.
'Brilliant' - Vivid scarlet flowers.
'Carnival' - A bicolor that is white and red.
'Cedar Hill' - Pink flowers.
'China Boy' - Large orange flowers with white centers.
'Eskimo Pie' - White flowers with dark centers.
'Fatima' - White flowers are edged with pale pink.
'Helen Elizabeth' - Soft pink flowers.
'Perry's White' - White flowers.
'Pinnacle' - A bicolor that is white with red edges.
'Prince of Orange' - Orange-scarlet flowers.
'Princess Victoria Louise' - Salmon-pink flowers.
'Queen Alexander' - Bright, salmon-pink flowers.
'Raspberry Queen' - Raspberry pink flowers.
'Royal Wedding' - White flowers.
'Showgirl' - Bright pink flowers fade to white at the
base of the petals.
'Snow Queen' - White flowers with black centers.
'Spring Morn' - Pink flowers have darker centers.
'Turkenlouis' - Bright red flowers have fringed petals.
'Turkish Delight' - Pink flowers.
'Victoria Dreyfuss' - Large salmon-colored flowers are
edged in silver.
'Warlord' - Dark red flowers.
'Waterbabies' - Flowers are red to pink.
'White King' Large white flowers with black splotches
in the center.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1997, Ray
Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, Wayside
Gardens 1999, White Flower Farm 1997, Bailey Nurseries
1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999.


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