Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Patty's Plum'
oriental poppy
A really luscious oriental poppy with deep reddish-purple flowers in early summer and bristly, grey-green leaves. The silky, pleated petals...
The sultry, willowy Patty is always earlier, flowering in the first week of May, and her unique brown-pink flowers need semi-shade - a hornbeam or green hazel backdrop sets her off
Plant description
Although the flowers of all oriental poppies are ephemeral, they are easy to grow and each plant will produce several flowers. If cut back after flowering, they may even produce a second flush.
Plant it in a sunny border as part of a cottage garden scheme, alongside grasses or late summer-flowering perennials, such as dahlias, which will provide interest when the plant has died back.
Papaver 'Patty's Plum' contrasts particularly well with silver foliage plants. It will need staking, as it has a tendency to sprawl.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Papaver (Oriental Group) Patty's Plum:
Water well after planting, but avoid waterlogging, as these plants dislike excessive moisture, particularly in winter. A layer of mulch will help insulate the roots from extreme cold and retain soil moisture during the summer.
After flowering, the foliage often becomes tatty and can be cut back to encourage fresh new growth. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and can sometimes prompt a second flush of leaves. Combine this with watering during dry spells and applying a light mulch to support healthy regrowth.
Please note:
GOES WELL WITH
Prairie
Indulge a passion for ornamental grasses by creating a prairie- or meadow-style garden. They can be richly planted with native wildflowers or a selection of complementary perennials and self-seeding annuals to create a naturalistic planting effect.
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