Oriental Poppy
Papaver orientale

Family: Papaveraceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Irregular or sprawling.

Papaver orientale is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Meadows, usually in sub-alpine zones, but also on stony slopes in the lower mountain zone.

W. Asia - Armenia, N.E. Iran, Turkey.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The young seed heads are used as a condiment, they are hot and acrid. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The petals are sudorific.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Container, Foundation, Rock garden, Specimen, Woodland garden. Prefers a well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Succeeds in an ordinary good soil and in dry soils, tolerating drought when established. Plants prefer a deep soil that is poor and dry rather than rich, they dislike moist conditions. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. A deep-rooting and almost indestructible plant, every scrap of the running root system that is left in the ground can grow into a new plant. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. A good bee plant. Special Features: Attractive foliage, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow June in an outdoor seedbed. Plant into permanent positions in September. Seed can also be sown in spring and may then flower in late summer. Division in March or October with care. Another report suggests that division is very simple. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings 10cm long, November/December in a cold frame.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention has been found for this plant, many species in this genus are toxic to mammals, though the toxicity, at least when grown in Britain, is low.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. bracteatum. Lindley.