common poppy
Papaver rhoeas
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Black, red
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is an annual for borders, cut flowers, and pollinator gardens. Cool weather suits it, and it can take a light frost. This plant likes full sun, average moisture, and sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. It grows 12 to 24 inches tall and blooms in red and black in spring and again in summer. Bees visit the flowers.
Pairs well with Cornflower, Caradonna sage, Columbine, and Purple Sensation ornamental onion.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Asia, and 14 more places. See all 18
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Asia, Africa, Azores, Baleares, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Krym, Madeira, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, and Türkiye.