Information supplied by: The New Zealand Book of Perennials
by Colin Hutchinson. | Oriental Poppy
Botanical name: Papaver orientale
Common name: Oriental Poppy
Origins: Of Turkish and Armenian heritage.
Comments:
The oriental poppy, is as flamboyant, dramatic and secuctive as its native Turkish and armenian heritage. Great silken-textured, black-hearted scarlet blooms are held on tall stiff stems in early summer. According to variety the oriental poppy grows from 45cm to more than 1m tall. There are many named cultivars in colours ranging from pinks to reds.
Plants rapidly die back after flowering leaving a mid-summer gap which needs filling with fast-growing annuals or disguising with late summer/autumn flowering plants - bear this in mind when positioning. Leaf growth recommences in autumn.
Plant in deep, fast-draining, light-textured soils and leave alone. Mulch new plants during their first winter around, but not over, the foliage.
Tight buds cut in early morning are longer lasting when used in arrangements. Sear the cut end of the stem before placing it in water.
Propagation: Propagation is by seed, division or root cuttings.
The seed germinates in 10 to 15 days and needs exposure to light. Start seed in peat pots or directly in the garden.
Division every five years in later summer is recommended. This is done in late summer/autumn as the plants are starting to grow again.
Root cuttings can be made of 2 inch root pieces. These are placed right side up in sandy soil or they may be laid horizontally.
The plants may take two years to come back into bloom after dividing or transplanting.
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