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Common name: Oriental Poppy.
Zones 3 to 7.
Full sun.
Clump-forming herbaceous perennial.
Poppies will perform best if grown in organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil. They will grow in average soils with good drainage. Wet, poorly-drained soils may cause root rot, particularly in winter.
A cold weather plant, Papaver orientale needs a period of winter dormancy. Intolerant of the high heat and humidity, they generally will not grow well south of zone 7. Self-seeded plants of this cultivar may not come true. Propagation by root cuttings is relatively easy, but plants should otherwise be left undisturbed. Plant divisions are best made in late summer or early fall. Poppies are prized cut flowers. They should be cut just when buds start to break and their ends should be seared to prevent sap leakage from their stems. Attracts hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
PLANTING: Set plants 15 to 18 inches apart, and in full sun. Plants root deeply, so cultivate the soil accordingly; well-drained, good garden soil is best. We recommend winter mulch for at least the first year.
MAINTENANCE: Water during periods of drought. Seed pods should be removed after the flowers are spent, and foliage should be cut back as it turns brown in midsummer. In planting, remember that the Oriental poppy dies back in midsummer and their foliage will reemerge in the late summer. A companion plant such as Gypsophila can fill the gap. Plants dislike being disturbed after planting.
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