May 2009 — Papaver Print
Papaver orientaleIt should come as no surprise that the family Papaveraceae contains the 120 or so species of the genus Papaver.  While there are some species that prefer alpine regions, most are native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, Europe and North America.  These annual, biennial or herbaceous perennial plants are prized for their beautiful crepe paper-like flowers and often their medicinal properties.  Records from 5000 BC in Mesopotamia and Egypt indicate that Poppies were already being grown as ornamental plants.  In modern times numerous species are considered indispensable to the early summer garden.

Both the botanical and the common names give us valuable information about the origin of the particular species and therefore the type of garden situation that they are likely to prefer.  Alpine Poppy, and Iceland Poppy are obviously native to higher elevations and would most likely prefer cooler, well drained locations.  

The Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is an annual, native to western Europe (Flanders Fields) and other areas of agricultural activity.  All poppies germinate best in disturbed soils, the seed can remain dormant for many years until stimulated by practices such as ploughing or battle.  This common name relates to earlier superstitions of successful crop seasons when the poppies bloom in the “korn” (Greek for grain) fields.  In addition it is most commonly the seed of the Corn Poppy that is used in baking to adorn such edibles as poppy seed bagels, while the red petals are the major ingredient in a syrup that is the base for many beverages.  

Papaver somniferum (sleep bringing poppy) or Opium Poppy is of course the source of morphine, codeine and other important medicinal substances. Their flowers are truly beautiful in both their single and double forms and their use as an ornamental is generally condoned as long as no harvesting or processing takes place.

Another common annual, the California Poppy is within the same family but that is were the relationship ends.  Eschscholzia californica, is the floral symbol of California, native to the western United States and not a member of the genus Papaver at all.

P. orientale ‘Flamingo’However the most well known poppy is probably the Oriental Poppy.  Papaver orientale is one of those wonderful, easy to grow perennials that should find a home in any sunny well drained garden.  While a brilliant orange scarlet is most likely the original color, centuries (even millennia) of hybridization and selection have produced cultivars with flower colors from white, through pink, salmon, red, purple to near black.  True blue is not found in Oriental Poppies but in Himalayan Poppies another non-poppy that is actually within the genus Meconopsis — and much trickier to grow in most of North America.  The blooms of the Oriental Poppy are borne singly atop strong stems, their much photographed nodding buds straighten to proudly show their lovely faces as they open. The delicate appearing, paper like petals are vividly or subtlety colored, smooth edged, jagged or ruffled, single or double and give way to the most interesting capsular seed pods that dry to add wonderful form to dried floral arrangements.

The foliage, including the sepals that guard the flower buds, are covered in fine silvery hairs, which gives a lovely textural element.  The leaves grow in a basal rosette form, are a light to deep green and deeply lobed — somewhat reminiscent of a dandelion with fur. Not long after the bloom season, as the summer gets warmer and the humidity increases, this foliage decides that enough is enough and retreats underground.

The Oriental Poppy is what is known as a summer ephemeral.  For the gardener this means that it is necessary to plan the garden in such a way so that there are fairly large companions planted nearby that will fill in the ‘empty’ space as the poppies go dormant. The foliage will usually reemerge in the fall with the resumption of cooler temperatures and stay ‘evergreen’ over the winter.  For the garden center retailer marketing season for poppies is spring and fall with education of consumers necessary to prevent returns of ‘dying’ plants.

P. orientale

Forms a fairly substantial tap root and should be transplanted with care, preferably into a well drained soil as wet feet are particularly disliked.  The best time to transplant, divide or plant bare root plants is in the late summer or early fall when the roots are dormant.  Papaver prefer full sun, requiring at least eight hours to really flower well.
While poppies do make beautiful cut flowers the stems need to be cauterized to stop the flow of their milky sap to which some people have a sensitivity.  Several methods are suggested including immersing the cut end immediately in ice water or boiling water for 30 seconds or searing the cut with a flame.  The extra effort is well worth it for the display.  Oriental poppies are easy to grow and are hardy in USDA zones 2 – 7.  The heat and humidity of the deep south is not to their liking.

P. orientale ‘Bolero’

Flowering in late May, early June in the most delicious shade of light purple red with a distinctive black blotch at the base of each petal.  The 3 ”- 4” (10cm) blooms soar to a height of 30” (75 cm) while the foliage will have a height and spread of about 12” (30 cm).

P. orientale ‘Fornecett Summer’

A taller cultivar reaching heights of 36” (90 cm) the salmon pink blooms are spectacular with very frilly edges.  The foliage will again reach a height and spread of about 15” (35 cm).  Definitely a selection to look for.  Most likely named for the garden in Norfolk, England.

P. orientale ‘Flamingo’

A compact selection which nevertheless delivers incredible flower power.  The 5” (12cm) wide tropical-pink flowers are borne on sturdy stems that can hold their own through most of the winds and rains of spring.  Masses of blooms spring forth from mature clumps to reach a height of only 20” (50 cm) while the clump will spread to about 24” (60 cm).
 

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