General Culture:
Best grown in organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Performs well in average garden soils as long as drainage is good. This is a cold weather plant that needs a period of winter dormancy, and generally will not grow well south of USDA Zone 7. It is generally intolerant of the high summer heat and humidity in the deep South. Mulch in winter until well established. Plants go dormant after flowering.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Oriental poppies are among the most popular poppies available. They are clump-forming plants that most often feature flowers in shades of red, orange and pink. ‘Turkenlouis’ is a cultivar that typically grows to 36” tall (infrequently taller). It features large, solitary, crepe papery, cup-shaped, 4-6” (infrequently to 8”) diameter flowers on long stalks in late spring to early summer. Each flower has 4-6 fringed red petals with a dark center. Blotches are absent. Serrate, thistle-like, grayish-green leaves (to 12” long) are pinnately dissected into lance-shaped segments and have a somewhat weedy appearance. Foliage yellows and dies shortly after flowering, typically leaving a hole in the garden. Basal mats of new leaves appear in fall and overwinter until spring when the foliage puts on a spurt of growth up until the point when the flowers bloom.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Wet, poorly-drained soils can cause significant problems such as root rot, particularly in winter. Botrytis and powdery mildew may also occur. Plants tend to sprawl and may need support. Leaves a void in the garden in early to mid-summer when plants go dormant.
Uses:
Best in single clumps or small groups in borders. Gypsophila and boltonia have foliage that expands as the summer progresses and may be effectively interplanted with oriental poppies in order to fill the void left when the poppies go dormant.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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