General Culture:

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils. Intolerant of summer heat and humidity in the deep South. A cold weather plant that needs a period of winter dormancy, and will not grow well south of USDA Zone 7. Mulch in winter until well-established, however. Tends to self-seed, but seed will not come true and seedlings there from will probably revert to an orangish color. Therefore, it is best to remove stems of spent flowers before seed forms. Generally best to leave clumps undisturbed.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Oriental poppies are among the most popular poppies available. This particular cultivar is a compact, clump-forming perennial which produces large, solitary, papery, cup-shaped, 4-6" diameter, white flowers with pink margins and dark spots. Flowers appear on long stalks (to 24-30" tall) above the foliage in late spring to early summer. Serrate, grayish-green leaves (to 12" long) are pinnately dissected into lance-shaped segments and have a somewhat weedy appearance. Foliage yellows and dies in mid-summer 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, particularly in winter. Tends to sprawl and may need support. Leaves a void in the garden in mid-summer when the foliage dies to the ground (see Uses Section below).

Uses:

Best in single clumps or in small groups in borders. Gypsophilia (baby's breath) and Boltonia have foliage which 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.

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