oriental poppy
Papaver orientale
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 7
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall6 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Black, orange, pink, purple, red, white
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) is a perennial for borders, cottage gardens, cut flower beds, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. It forms a clump of gray-green leaves and blooms in spring and summer in black, orange, pink, purple, red, or white. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds visit it.
Pairs well with Blanket flower, Blonde Ambition blue grama, and Paprika yarrow.
Native range
Middle East, Central Asia, and Türkiye.