In the embrace of an enchanting meadow, Oriental poppies cast a spell, with a salmon-hued variant asserting its presence amid a sea of incandescent orange-red brethren. At the meadow’s edge, plump seedpods stand, a silent testament to the transient allure of these blooms. Captured by roger Foley’s lens, this scene whispers of nature’s ephemeral beauty.
Behold the Oriental poppy, a muse for the lyrical heart. Described with words like “resplendent,” “vibrant,” “luminous,” and “silken.” Originating from the retina-dazzling red-orange of Papaver orientale, breeders have weaved a tapestry of heart-racing reds and oranges, sumptuous pinks, and unblemished whites. Peer into their core to discover the signature, sometimes absent, obsidian smudges and a constellation of stamens cradling the central ovary, destined to transform into a seed-laden capsule. These flowers, varying from solitary to semi-double, unfurl their crepe-like petals on stems that tower 2 to 4 feet high, rising from verdant, hirsute leaf clusters that magnify in grandeur annually.
The allure of these blooms lies in their Folies-Bergère petticoat resemblance, pirouetting above the unabashedly rugged, furry foliage. Their flowering period is a fleeting spectacle, and the leaves vanish in summer’s embrace, yet they leave an indelible, vivid imprint. Cleverly paired with other flora, they gracefully navigate their idiosyncrasies.
In the temperate climes of north America and beyond, Oriental poppies find their haven, particularly thriving in Zones 5 to 7, where summers are mild. In the sweltering humidity of Zone 8 and beyond, they falter and fade.
‘ORANGE GLOW’: This variety weaves a tapestry of blazing orange and sun-kissed yellow hues, its petals billowing atop sturdy, 3-foot stems.
You May Like:
‘HELEN ELIZABETH’: A beloved cultivar, it boasts crinkled, salmon-pink petals that dance on 24- to 30-inch stems.
‘GRAUE WITWE’: A striking tableau of icy white kissed with the faintest lavender, set against the backdrop of black basal spots and a clasp of purplish-black stamens. Its stems reach a height of 28 inches.
‘RASPBERRY QUEEN’: Proud 3-foot stalks support opulent, raspberry-rose blossoms, with crepe-like petals adorned with ebony blotches.
‘MAIDEN’S BLUSH’: Expansive, ruffled blooms of white and blush pink unfurl to a span of 6 inches atop 24- to 30-inch stems, gracing the latter half of the poppy season.
‘TURKEN LOUIS’: A spectacle of brilliant, fiery red flowers with fringed margins and dark hearts, soaring above 30- to 36-inch stalks, beckoning onlookers for a closer gaze.
‘JULIANE’: An immaculate, unspotted, medium-pink creation from Germany, with stems measuring 24 to 30 inches in height.
‘CHINA BOY’: Large, ruffled orange blossoms with feathered, creamy white centers proclaim their presence on 3-foot stems.
‘DEGAS’: A late-blooming variety, radiating deep orange with dark inner blotches, perched on 28-inch stems.
‘CEDAR HILL’: Delicate, single, pale-pink flowers dance on 3-foot stalks, heralding the Oriental poppy season. Bred in 1924 by Martin Viette at Viette Farm and nursery in Fishersville, Virginia, now stewarded by his son André and grandson Mark, where these poppies were photographed.
In their quest for abundance, these flowers yearn for full sun, yet tolerate brief respite in shade, their vibrancy undimmed. High arboreal shade in Zone 8 offers them a reprieve from the scorch. However, excessive shade leads to a languid growth and a tendency for stems to droop.
The ideal terroir for these botanical wonders is well-drained, deep, and reasonably fertile soil, enriched with organic matter – the elusive “loam.” Yet, they adapt to slightly clayey or sandy soils. Ensure that water does not stagnate, especially in winter or summer, to prevent root rot and ensure plant vitality.
Cultivating Oriental poppies is akin to balancing on a tightrope – they can be both resilient and temperamental. Plant them in mid to late summer when dormant, or in fall as they begin to sprout leaves, but do so with a delicate touch to avoid disturbing their brittle roots. Transplanting from containers during bloom ensures color satisfaction. Creative planting combinations, often featuring baby’s breath, artfully conceal their summer dormancy and fill the void. A plethora of perennials, sub-woody shrubs, and annuals also serve this purpose, as does the simple yet effective option of mulching to mark and shade their resting places.