Papaver orientale 'Helen Elizabeth' (Papaver)

This oriental poppy has stunning large soft-pink almost salmon coloured flowers from late spring to early summer.

History

The name papaver is thought to have come from the old latin word for paper, used to describe the texture of its petals. Orientale means that this poppy originated from the Orient.

Planting

Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in a general fertiliser.  On heavier soil work in plenty of compost and grit to improve the drainage. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, and give the plant a good start.

Propagation

Seed (seedpods can be collected from the plant and sown over winter)and Division.

Cultivation

Will grow well in any reasonably fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. But performs best in a rich well drained soil in full sun.

Aftercare

Apply a dressing of general fertiliser in April to boost growth and enhance flowering.  As the flowers are large they often need supporting, it is best to use twiggy sticks or ring supports in late April/early May. When flowers have died, the old stems can be cut back to ground level which will encourage a second show or can be left to produce the attractive seed pods. Cut the plants back in autumn as the foliage dies down and apply a mulch of well rotted organic material or compost. Plants can be lifted and divided in autumn if they have spread too far.

Pests

Trouble free

Diseases

Mildew

Other information

This plant is attractive to bees and butterflies. They also make good cut flowers and the seed pods are a nice addition to floral and dried flower arrangements.

Height/Spread

A hardy oriental poppy that can grow up to 90cm in height. It has low growing pale green leaves which the flower heads rise above. Flowering from late spring to early summer it produces stunning large salmon-pink silky flowers with a dark center. Unlike other oriental poppies this one does not have dark spots on its petals. The flower heads are followed by large attractive seed pods.

Annual care

April

Apply a dressing of general fertiliser to boost growth and enhance flowering.

May

Use twiggy sticks or ring supports in late April/early May to support the flower heads.

June

Old stems can be cut back to ground level which will encourage a second show or can be left to produce the attractive seed pods.

October

Cut the plants back in autumn as the foliage dies down and apply a mulch of well rotted organic material or compost. Plants can be lifted and divided in autumn if they have spread too far.