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Plant Encyclopedia > Poppies

Poppies (Papaver)

Poppies are multitudinous flowers whose petals feature a crinkly paper-like texture. The stems are leafless and when planted in masses, give the illusion of a sea of flowers floating in the wind. These sun-loving plants are low maintenance and will reseed, producing new generations for years to come. Attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, this plant is a natural companion for vegetables and other flowering plants. In France and in many English-speaking countries, poppies are symbolic of the sacrifices made in World War One.

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb/Vine

Key Facts About Poppies

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Attributes of Poppies

Planting Time

Spring, Fall

Harvest Time

Summer

Plant Height

80 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Poppies

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Buttercups, poppies and allies

Family

Poppy

Genus

Poppies

Distribution of Poppies

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Distribution Map of Poppies

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Poppies

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The poppies genus encompasses diverse and showy plants, popular for their vibrant blooms. Basic care includes full sunlight exposure, light moisture levels, cool to mild temperatures, and well-draining, fertile soil. Common challenges are susceptibility to fungal diseases and pests such as aphids and slugs. Changing seasons require consideration; in spring and summer, regular watering is essential, while in autumn, pruning and preparing for winter dormancy is fundamental. A careful balance of these factors will yield healthy poppies plants.

How to Water Poppies?

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Poppies?

How to Propagate Poppies?

How to Plant Poppies?

More Info About Caring for Poppies

Exploring the Poppies Plants

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8 most common species：

Blindeyes

Blindeyes (Papaver dubium) is an annual wildflower that attracts bees and other pollinators. It self-seeds and can be invasive. The plant will grow to 51 cm tall with bright orange flowers that bloom in summer. Seeds ripen from summer to fall. It thrives in full sun in many soil conditions.

Corn poppy

The corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is an annual flower that carries great symbolism in many cultures. During World War One, the corn poppy could be found blooming between trenches in France and Belgium; afterwards, it became an international symbol of fallen soldiers. This poppy does not produce opium.

Welsh poppy

Welsh poppy (Papaver cambricum) is native to western continental Europe and the British Isles where it grows best in partial shade and moist well-drained soils. In spring through summer it produces vibrant flowers that are yellow or orange making it a favorite choice as an ornamental garden plant.

Iceland poppy

The iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is a plant species that's sometimes cultivated as an ornamental species. When cultivating, the seeds should be planted in autumn and allowed to germinate in the presence of light. This species grows best in direct sunlight.

Oriental poppy

The oriental poppy is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows in a clumping behavior and has slightly hairy stems and leaves. Although most well-known for the scarlet color of its flowers, other cultivars come in colors ranging from orange and pink to white and plum.

Alpine poppy

Alpine poppy (Papaver alpinum) is a species of poppy native to the Alps in Europe. The species includes at least four subspecies and some commercial cultivars. The flowers are attractive and come in warm colors. Interestingly, the root hairs are turned upwards in order to secure the plant in the difficult mountain habitat.

Rough poppy

Rough poppy has a theatrical appearance, with bright red petals and blue anthers. It is this quality that makes it most attractive. The plant is considered a weed in South and Western Australia and Victoria, taking over disturbed and waste ground, particularly in semi-arid conditions.

Long pricklyhead poppy

Long pricklyhead poppy (Papaver argemone) features attractive, four-petaled, red to red-orange flowers with black centers. It gets its name from the prickly hairs along its stem. The long pricklyhead poppy is disliked by grazing animals but attracts bees and beetles, its primary pollinators.

All Species of Poppies

Long pricklyhead poppy

Western poppy

Western poppy

Western poppy is a perennial herb native to California's chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. It features four delicate, tissue-paper like petals, usually bright orange or yellow, atop a slender, single stem. The leaves are mostly basal, deeply lobed, and covered with fine hairs. This combination of vivid petals and foliar texture is indicative of its adaptation to the dry, sunny climates of its native regions.

Atlas poppy

Atlas poppy

It is a perennial plant with basal rosettes of bluish leaves and pale orange flowers on long, wiry stems.

Arctic poppy

Papaver radicatum is a species of poppy known by the common names Arctic poppy, rooted poppy, and yellow poppy.

Spanish poppy

Papaver rupifragum is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family, Papaveraceae.

Wild opium poppy

Papaver setigerum reaches on average 20 to 80 cm in height. The stem is erect and the leaves are simple, oblong, the lower ones are sessile, deeply lobed and toothed, the higher ones shortly pedunculated. The flowers at the apex of the stem are hermaphroditic, actinomorphic ("star shaped", "radial"), 4 to 10 cm in diameter.

Oriental poppy 'Karine'

Oriental poppy 'Karine'

Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, this poppy variety is known for its clump-forming blooms of pale pink with multicolored "buttons." Also producing feathery and bright foliage, oriental poppy 'Karine' was hybridized from other variations of oriental poppies and named after the Latin word for "beloved." oriental poppy 'Karine''s prestige comes from its prolific growth, long-living flowers, and extreme ease of growth.

Oriental poppy 'Aglaja'

Oriental poppy 'Aglaja'

An Award of Garden Merit winner, oriental poppy 'Aglaja''s large, ruffled, salmon-pink petals give it a distinctive look among poppies. Cultivated as a hybrid of other poppy varieties, this cultivar was named after the Greek word for "brilliant one." Gardeners prize oriental poppy 'Aglaja' for its shining color, ease of care, and appeal to pollinators.

Oriental poppy 'Leuctfeuer'

Oriental poppy 'Leuctfeuer'

With nearly glowing orange-red petals; a striking yellow-red "button"; and bristly, hairy foliage, the oriental poppy 'Leuctfeuer' has marvelous differences from other poppies. Cultivated as a hybrid of other oriental poppies, this cultivar was named after the German word for "beacon" due to its fiery and bright appearance. This is, in large part, what makes the oriental poppy 'Leuctfeuer' popular. Combined with its favorable growing habit and appeal to pollinators, it is no wonder it won an Award of Garden Merit.

Oriental poppy 'Manhattan'

Oriental poppy 'Manhattan'

This cultivar of the Oriental poppy is appreciated for its large, flashy poppies in deep pink color. The oriental poppy 'Manhattan' is known for its rich nectar and pollen, which attract bees. Beautiful as well as hardy, it is a much appreciated plant by many gardeners and casual planters. Its blooms also have a distinctly long blooming season.

Opium poppy 'Black Paeony'

Opium poppy 'Black Paeony'

Opium poppy 'Black Paeony' is a striking ornamental cultivar with deeply fringed, double petals that unfurl into large, peony-like blooms. Characterized by their opulent, near-black color and silken texture, the flowers are a dramatic contrast to its light green, serrated foliage. Thriving best in full sun, opium poppy 'Black Paeony' requires well-drained soil to flourish, evoking a sense of elegance in cottage gardens or as a curious cut flower.

Oriental poppy 'Prinzessin Victoria Louise'

Papaver orientale 'Prinzessin Victoria Louise'

Oriental poppy 'Prinzessin Victoria Louise'

Oriental poppy 'Prinzessin Victoria Louise' boasts vibrant, salmon-pink blooms with a dark blotch at the base of each petal, resembling a sunburst. This perennial thrives in temperate climates, with large, hairy leaves providing a lush backdrop for its showy spring flowers. Well-drained soil and full sun encourage optimal growth, while its striking appearance attracts gardeners and pollinators alike.

Oriental poppy 'Burning Heart'

Oriental poppy 'Burning Heart'

The ornamental oriental poppy 'Burning Heart' is named for its dark pink double-blooms, which nest one set of petals inside another. They are a rather tall cultivar of the ornamental poppy reaching up to 60 cm, and gardeners use them in pots, beds and borders, where they grow in clumps.

Opium poppy

Opium poppy (*Papaver somniferum*) was first cultivated approximately 5,400 years ago by the lower Mesopotamians. The Sumerians called it “Hul Gil,” which means the “joy plant.” It is used in the production of medical painkillers. The tiny seeds are commonly added as a topping on bread buns, but most portions of the plant are toxic if eaten.

Oriental poppy 'Bolero'

Oriental poppy 'Bolero'

Uniquely colored compared to other poppies, oriental poppy 'Bolero' grows large, long-living flowers. Cultivated from other varieties of poppy, this cultivar was named after its likeness to flowing bolero dance skirts. Oriental poppy 'Bolero''s bold-colored petals and "button," ease of care, and long-lasting blooms are what make it popular among gardeners.

Opium poppy 'Black Swan'

Opium poppy 'Black Swan'

Opium poppy 'Black Swan' is an Opium poppy cultivar popular for its impressive and dramatic flowers. Unlike the parent plant that has single flowers with 4-5 red petals, this cultivar features a bunch of finely cut, burgundy-purple petals that give the flower the fringe-like, frizzy look.

Oriental poppy 'Turkenlouis'

Oriental poppy 'Turkenlouis'

Oriental poppy 'Turkenlouis' is a garden favorite poppy with a huge showy double-petaled flower whose orange-red flowers have distinctive fringed petal tips. By contrast, the parent plant has petals that aren't fringed. This late spring and early summer flowering plant is highly disease and pest resistant and grows well on most types of garden soil.

Oriental poppy 'Royal Wedding'

Oriental poppy 'Royal Wedding'

Hardy to the cold, the oriental poppy 'Royal Wedding' is a self-seeding poppy cultivar. It is also considered easy and fast-growing, but doesn't withstand incredible summer heat and humidity well. Compact and upright, the oriental poppy 'Royal Wedding' will make a good cut flower for borders and containers.

Tulip poppy

Tulip poppy

Papaver glacum, the tulip poppy, Turkish tulip or Turkish red poppy, is a poppy found in the region of Anatolia.

Oriental poppy 'Helen Elizabeth'

Oriental poppy 'Helen Elizabeth'

Ornamental poppy oriental poppy 'Helen Elizabeth' is a soft and feminine pale pink, which has perhaps inspired its lovely name. These poppies are easy to plant and care for, and are enjoyed both in gardens and as showy cut flowers in arrangements.

Opium poppy 'Sissinghurst White'

Opium poppy 'Sissinghurst White'

Opium poppy 'Sissinghurst White' is a pure-white poppy named for its home in the White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in the South East of England. These attractive white blooms are short-lived and only bloom for a few weeks in the summer, whereas the parent plant and other varieties may bloom slightly longer throughout spring and summer. Gardeners love that this flower is deer resistant, easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and attractive to bees and butterflies.

Oriental poppy 'Cedric Morris'

Oriental poppy 'Cedric Morris'

Oriental poppy 'Cedric Morris' is an award-winning, uniquely gray-pink cultivar with a fuzzy "button" and bristly grayish leaves. Cultivated as a hybrid of other oriental poppy varieties, this cultivar was named after the painter/cultivator who called its pink color "dirty knickers." Gardeners who admire unique colors or gray plants love the oriental poppy 'Cedric Morris'.

Oriental poppy 'Beauty of Livermere'

Oriental poppy 'Beauty of Livermere'

Oriental poppy 'Beauty of Livermere' is an Oriental poppy cultivar, selected to grow up to 1 m tall, as well as to bear large, dark red flowers with distinctive "dark eyes" in their centers. The cultivar is also distinguished by its feather-like, but bristly foliage.

Ladybird poppy 'Ladybird'

Ladybird poppy 'Ladybird'

A prolific bloomer, the ladybird poppy 'Ladybird' will often bloom up to two dozen blooms at a time and can be kept as houseplants. During the winters, this poppy cultivar provides birds with seeds to eat. In addition to its flowers, the ladybird poppy 'Ladybird' leaves behind seedpods to self sow which are also ornamental in nature, attracting attention even in winter.

Oriental poppy 'Khedive'

Oriental poppy 'Khedive'

A member of the Award of Garden Merit winners, oriental poppy 'Khedive' has a unique, black-spotted base among ruffled coral-colored petals. Hybridized from other oriental poppy varieties, this cultivar was named after an Egyptian ruler. Oriental poppy 'Khedive''s striking appearance, ease of care, and recognized merit have given it its well-earned popularity.

Oriental poppy ' Beauty of Livermere'

Oriental poppy ' Beauty of Livermere' is a striking perennial known for its large, deep red blooms with black markings at the base. These vivid flowers sit atop sturdy stems, which can reach up to 80 cm in height, amidst a backdrop of fuzzy, grayish-green foliage. Thriving in well-draining soil and full sun, oriental poppy ' Beauty of Livermere' adds dramatic flair to gardens from late spring to early summer.

Oriental poppy 'Patty's Plum'

Oriental poppy 'Patty's Plum'

Oriental poppy 'Patty's Plum' is a type of ornamental poppy which many sources describe as ‘unusual.’ That is because it has large, papery purple flowers. Each flower has just 4-6 petals which open almost flat in the sun. This cultivar is also very tall, reaching up to 90 cm and it is therefore beloved for its showy appearance.

Oriental poppy 'Harlem'

Oriental poppy 'Harlem'

Oriental poppy 'Harlem', a perennial garden classic, boasts large, deep maroon flowers that command attention. Its striking blooms are complemented by a black center, set against a backdrop of fuzzy, deeply divided green leaves. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, oriental poppy 'Harlem' rises in late spring, offering a bold splash of color to temperate landscapes.

Opium poppy 'Maxi'

Opium poppy 'Maxi'

Opium poppy 'Maxi' is a stunning annual boasting large, double blooms in shades of deep burgundy to pink. Known for its psychoactive properties, it's also a commonly used source for pharmaceutical opiates. Its unique seed pods are beautiful in dried flower arrangements.

Opium poppy 'Hungarian Blue'

Opium poppy 'Hungarian Blue'

Opium poppy 'Hungarian Blue' is distinct for its tall, showy, violet-blue flowers and dark blotches near the base of the petals. A cultivar of Papaver somniferum, its name derives from its flowers. Gardeners love this plant for its ornamental appeal, and it will self-seed to return year after year.

Oriental poppy 'Turkish Delight'

Oriental poppy 'Turkish Delight'

Oriental poppy 'Turkish Delight' is an ornamental poppy cultivar with a very special quality: unlike other poppies, it does not have black blotches at the base of its petals. Instead, this cultivar is admired for its textured pale pink leaves which are the color of Turkish Delight candy. This cultivar is known for being easy to care for.

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Pink'

Papaver nudicaule 'Champagne Bubbles Pink'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Pink'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Pink' is an Iceland poppy with bright pink flowers that explain its effervescent name. In marked contrast, the wild plant has white or yellow flowers. These showy blooms are the principal attraction of this plant to gardeners although this is a reliable perennial that typically self-seeds and returns year after year.

Opium poppy 'Danish Flag'

Opium poppy 'Danish Flag'

Opium poppy 'Danish Flag' is a delightful poppy offering bright red and white blooms with delicate frilly edging. It flowers from summer until early fall. It is an Opium poppy cultivar, named for its resemblance to the Danish flag which features a white cross on a red backdrop. Opium poppy 'Danish Flag' is popular choice for gardeners who love its bold contrasting colors, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to deer.

Oriental poppy 'Queen Alexandra'

Oriental poppy 'Queen Alexandra'

The salmon-colored petals adorned with dramatic black dots and seed capsules give oriental poppy 'Queen Alexandra' its uniqueness. Named after the early 20th century monarch, 'Queen Alexandra' is a poppy cultivar that's widely popular because of its beautiful flowers that return in the warmer months for many years. Oriental poppy 'Queen Alexandra' is also very easy to grow and look after, not requiring tending to and showing tolerance to deer and rabbits.

Corn poppy 'Bridal Silk'

Corn poppy 'Bridal Silk'

The paper-thin, bright white blooms of corn poppy 'Bridal Silk' are quite a contrast to the striking red flowers of its ancestral plant. Corn poppy 'Bridal Silk' is a poppy cultivar originally derived from the common poppy. The purity of coloration on this plant's flowers resembles that of silk worn by a bride on her wedding day.

Oriental poppy 'Prince of Orange'

Oriental poppy 'Prince of Orange'

Oriental poppy 'Prince of Orange' is an ornamental poppy cultivar which blooms in huge orange flowers each year. They are easy to plant and care for, and can even self-seed year on year. Gardeners combine this cultivar with other beautifully colored poppy types to create visual interest.

Oriental poppy 'Raspberry Queen'

Oriental poppy 'Raspberry Queen'

Oriental poppy 'Raspberry Queen' is an exquisite Oriental poppy that produces paper-thin, pink petals with an intricate darker purple center. This is highly dissimilar to the parent plant, which sports bright red flowers. The name "Raspberry Queen" highlights this plant's coloration and royal appearance.

Opium poppy 'Lauren's Grape'

Opium poppy 'Lauren's Grape'

The deep, dark purple blooms of opium poppy 'Lauren's Grape' sets it apart from the typical red coloration of the parent plant. It's a poppy hybrid cultivated from Papaver somniferum, also known as the opium poppy. This majestic plant was named after garden writer Lauren Springer who supposedly removed the seeds from atop her bagel and sowed them, producing this special variety.

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet'

Papaver nudicaule 'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet'

The iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet' is a poppy with a deep scarlet flower. By contrast, the parent Iceland poppy has a far less striking yellow-white flower. The cultivar's poetic name is a fancy way of describing the flower color. As well as adorning flower borders and beds, these flowers attract bees.

Opium poppy 'Lilac Pompom'

Opium poppy 'Lilac Pompom'

Opium poppy 'Lilac Pompom' flowers have a distinctive frilly, shaggy appearance reminiscent of a cheerleader's pom-pom. Bred from the opium poppy, it originated in the eastern Mediterranean region. But its dark purple flowers and beautiful foliage give it high ornamental appeal for gardeners.

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Yellow'

Papaver nudicaule 'Champagne Bubbles Yellow'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Yellow'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Yellow' is named for its intensely yellow flower which is a marked contrast to the white or pale yellow flowers of the parent plant, the Iceland poppy. This easy-to-grow plant is an ideal addition to beds, borders and cottage gardens, so it is admired by gardeners.

Long smoth-headed poppy

Long smoth-headed poppy

Papaver rhoeas is a variable erect annual forming a long-lived soil seed bank that can germinate when the soil is disturbed. In the northern hemisphere it generally flowers in late spring but if the weather is warm enough other flowers frequently appear at the beginning of fall. It grows up to about 70 cm in height.

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena

Fig trees

Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.

Brambles

Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.

Maples

Prunus

Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.

Nightshades

Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.

Roses

Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.

Oaks

Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.

Poppies

Papaver

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb/Vine

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Key Facts About Poppies

Feedback

Attributes of Poppies

Planting Time

Spring, Fall

Harvest Time

Summer

Plant Height

80 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Poppies

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Buttercups, poppies and allies

Family

Poppy

Genus

Poppies

Distribution of Poppies

Feedback

Distribution Map of Poppies

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Poppies

Feedback

How to Water Poppies?

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Poppies?

How to Propagate Poppies?

How to Plant Poppies?

More Info About Caring for Poppies

Exploring the Poppies Plants

Feedback

8 most common species：

Long pricklyhead poppy

Show More Species

All Species of Poppies

Long pricklyhead poppy

Oriental poppy 'Karine'

Oriental poppy 'Aglaja'

Oriental poppy 'Leuctfeuer'

Oriental poppy 'Manhattan'

Opium poppy 'Black Paeony'

Oriental poppy 'Prinzessin Victoria Louise'

Oriental poppy 'Burning Heart'

Opium poppy

Oriental poppy 'Bolero'

Opium poppy 'Black Swan'

Oriental poppy 'Turkenlouis'

Oriental poppy 'Royal Wedding'

Tulip poppy

Oriental poppy 'Helen Elizabeth'

Opium poppy 'Sissinghurst White'

Oriental poppy 'Cedric Morris'

Oriental poppy 'Beauty of Livermere'

Ladybird poppy 'Ladybird'

Oriental poppy 'Khedive'

Oriental poppy ' Beauty of Livermere'

Oriental poppy 'Patty's Plum'

Oriental poppy 'Harlem'

Opium poppy 'Maxi'

Opium poppy 'Hungarian Blue'

Oriental poppy 'Turkish Delight'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Pink'

Opium poppy 'Danish Flag'

Oriental poppy 'Queen Alexandra'

Corn poppy 'Bridal Silk'

Oriental poppy 'Prince of Orange'

Oriental poppy 'Raspberry Queen'

Opium poppy 'Lauren's Grape'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet'

Opium poppy 'Lilac Pompom'

Iceland poppy 'Champagne Bubbles Yellow'

Long smoth-headed poppy

More Popular Genus

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