Among perennials, few blooms captivate the eye of visitors quite like the Papaver orientale, commonly known as the Oriental poppy. With their cup-shaped flowers bearing striking colors and delicate petals, this perennial has found its place in gardens around the globe, adding bursts of vibrancy and charm.

Three stunning cultivars of oriental poppy

I’m presenting three very different cultivars of oriental poppies added to my peony garden in the last three years: ‘Beauty of Livermere’, ‘Princess Victoria Louise’, and ‘Royal Wedding’.

1. Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’

Renowned for its dramatic presence, ‘Beauty of Livermere’ boasts deep, large, blood-red flowers accentuated by a captivating black center. It creates a mesmerizing contrast that commands attention in any garden setting. The satiny, crepe-like blooms of this cultivar add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any landscape.

2. Papaver orientale ‘Princess Victoria Louise’

Named after the daughter of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, ‘Princess Victoria Louise’ is as regal as its namesake. This cultivar is characterized by its rich salmon-pink petals with contrasting dark purple centers, creating a mesmerizing visual display. Its large, showy flowers and sturdy stems make it a charming addition to the garden.

3. Papaver orientale ‘Royal Wedding’

For a pop of pure, pristine white in the garden, look no further than ‘Royal Wedding’. This cultivar stands out with its immaculate white petals and contrasting black centers, reminiscent of a bride’s bouquet. Its simplicity and purity make it a timeless choice for any garden setting.

Papaver orientale care

While the beauty of Papaver orientale cultivars is undoubtedly captivating, their cultivation requires attention to specific cultural needs. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, these Oriental poppies thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Adequate air circulation is essential to prevent fungal diseases, making spacing between plants crucial. Additionally, regular deadheading after flowering encourages prolonged blooming. It also prevents self-seeding, although some gardeners welcome the naturalization of these stunning flowers.

Self-seeding in Oriental poppy cultivars can result in offspring that may not necessarily resemble their parents. While some characteristics of the parent plant may be retained in the offspring, cross-pollination with other nearby poppy plants or variations in genetic recombination can lead to unique traits in the seedlings.

Remember to divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. However, due to their taproot system, mature Oriental poppies prefer not to be moved or transplanted as it can disturb their extensive root structure and hinder their growth.

Key considerations before purchasing oriental poppies

There are many other cultivars of Papaver orientale presenting a myriad of options to elevate your garden’s aesthetic. Each offers its own unique combination of colors, sizes, and characteristics to suit a variety of garden preferences. I’m considering expanding my collection with a few additional varieties come springtime!

Before purchasing Oriental poppies, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. The early summer blooms unfortunately do not last very long . They typically appear for about two to three weeks during early summer, though it may rebloom in late summer.

Additionally, Oriental poppy cultivars typically range from about 20 to 35 inches (50 to 90 centimeters) in height, while their spread is generally around 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters). At least 3 specimens of the same cultivar are recommended, although I have only bought one of each to experiment with growing them in between my peonies.

Oriental poppies have hairy, dissected green leaves forming a basal rosette. This foliage may undergo temporary drying and disappearance for a few weeks, typically during the summer heat, leading you to believe the plant may be dead. This natural phenomenon may be followed by regrowth towards the end of summer, ensuring a resilient and vibrant display in your garden.

Oriental poppies are also not very appropriate for cut flowers due to the milky sap in their stems, which can shorten their vase life and cause irritation.

Finally, Oriental poppies are often considered relatively short-lived perennials compared to some other perennials. While they can persist in the garden for several years, their lifespan typically ranges from about 3 to 5 years on average.

Despite their relatively short lifespan, the stunning beauty and vibrant blooms of Papaver orientale cultivars characterize them as a cherished addition to any garden, bringing joy and color year after year.