Papaver Red Poppies are herbaceous perennials that bloom prolifically summer to early fall, with attractive seed pods extending the season of interest. Highly ornamental, the plants set large, showy red flowers with dark blotches at the base of their crepe papery, tissue-like petals. Borne singly on long, bristly stems, the showy saucer-shaped blooms work well as cut flowers. In the garden, they attract pollinating bees and butterflies.
Red Poppies have an upright, clumping habit of hairy, toothed, gray-green leaves and a rapid growth rate. The clumps become larger each year but are never invasive. Papaver Red Poppies are shown to best effect when grouped or massed in borders or beds. The plants are great container plants and can be forced indoors.
Easy to grow and extremely low maintenance, Papaver Red Poppies prefer the cool temperatures of spring and fall and grow best in sunny locations with organically rich, medium moist, well-draining soils. They tolerate drought, once established, and poor soil but are intolerant of overly wet, poorly drained soils. Deadheading spent flowers keeps the poppy blooming and reduces unwanted self-seeding. After flowering, allow the poppies to die back (go dormant) during the summer heat, as excess watering will kill them. After the plant is established, do not disturb, or you could lose a blooming season. If the plant must be moved, divide and replant in the fall. In Zones 3-6, add mulch after a light freeze. Deer and rabbit resistant.
