Oriental poppy 'Patty's Plum'

Sun

Full sun; some afternoon shade can help flowers last longer in warm locations.

Water

Water regularly while establishing, then during prolonged dry spells in active growth. Keep the soil relatively dry during summer dormancy.

Soil

Deep, well-drained soil, preferably moderately fertile; tolerates chalk and neutral to alkaline conditions. Avoid waterlogged ground, especially in winter.

Height

2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m)

Spread

1.5-2 ft (0.45-0.6 m)

Flowers

Late spring to early summer; large, dusty plum-purple flowers with dark basal blotches, often fading toward smoky pink as they age.

Foliage

Coarse, hairy, deeply divided green leaves form a basal clump. Leaves usually die back after flowering, with fresh growth often appearing in autumn.

Growth

Moderate; usually takes two to three growing seasons to form a substantial clump.

Care needed

Low

• Pollinators
• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant
• Cold hardy
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Easy

Toughness

Very tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   1 ft (0.3 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.5 ft (0.45 m)

3. After 2 years

   2 ft (0.6 m)

4. After 3 years

   2.5 ft (0.75 m)

   full size

About 3 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Toxic

Growth rate

Moderate

• Plant with the crown at soil level in a sunny position with excellent drainage.
• Water new plants through their first growing season, but do not keep dormant crowns wet.
• Apply a light dressing of compost in spring; avoid heavy nitrogen feeding, which encourages floppy growth.
• Fit discreet supports before the flower stems lengthen if the site is windy.
• Leave established clumps undisturbed unless they need dividing; their fleshy roots resent repeated moving.

Pruning. Remove spent flower stems at the base unless you want seedheads. Once the leaves yellow after flowering, cut them back near ground level without damaging any fresh basal growth.

Early spring

Remove dead debris, apply a little compost and check that the crown is not buried.

Spring

Plant container-grown plants and water them in; install supports where needed.

Late spring

Check buds for aphids and water during prolonged dry weather.

Early summer

Remove faded flower stems, or leave a few for ornamental seedheads.

Mid summer

Cut away yellowed foliage and avoid routine watering over the dormant crown.

Early autumn

Plant or divide during cool weather, allowing time for roots to establish before hard freezes.

Late autumn

Take root cuttings if required and keep heavy, wet mulch away from the crown.

• Plant in small groups through a sunny mixed border for a brief, distinctive late-spring display.
• Pair with silver foliage and soft pink or blue flowers to complement the muted plum colouring.
• Place behind hardy geraniums or catmint, which can spread over the space left by dormant foliage.
• Use among later-flowering perennials and grasses to keep the border full after the poppies finish.

Garden styles it suits: Cottage garden, English country, Romantic rose garden, Arts and Crafts, Blues and silvers and New perennial (prairie).

Plant it with: Hardy geraniums, Catmint, Bearded iris, Salvia, Lady's mantle and Switchgrass.

Wildlife: The pollen-rich flowers attract bees. They offer little or no nectar.

• Crown and root rot in wet soil: improve drainage or move to a raised planting area; do not irrigate dormant crowns routinely.
• Aphids on young shoots and buds: dislodge with water or use insecticidal soap according to the label, avoiding open flowers.
• Powdery mildew: provide airflow, avoid overcrowding and remove badly affected leaves.
• Flopping stems or damaged flowers: provide early support and choose a position sheltered from strong wind.

Treat all parts, including roots, seed capsules and milky sap, as toxic to people, cats, dogs and horses if eaten. Ingestion can cause digestive upset and potentially serious nervous-system effects; seek medical or veterinary advice promptly. Sap may irritate skin, so wear gloves when cutting or dividing.

• Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum)

  An annual with smooth, waxy blue-green leaves that clasp the stems; Oriental poppies have conspicuously hairy, deeply divided leaves and persistent fleshy roots.

• Common poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

  An annual with a lighter, branching habit and usually smaller flowers. It does not form the substantial perennial crown and coarse basal foliage of an Oriental poppy.

Papaver is the Latin name for poppy, and orientale means eastern, referring to the species' origins in western Asia.

Propagation. Take root cuttings in late autumn or winter, or divide established clumps during dormancy in late summer to early autumn. Vegetative propagation preserves the cultivar; seedlings will not reliably match 'Patty's Plum'. Root fragments left after moving a plant may regrow.

Accepted botanical name

Papaver orientale

In the US and Canada

Introduced in Canada and the lower 48 states.

Native range

Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus and Turkey.

Measured

Average height 5 cm.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.