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Herbaceous Perennial

Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Black and White'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

oriental poppy 'Black and White'

A perennial to 60cm in height, with bristly pinnatisect leaves and solitary white flowers 12cm in width, each petal blotched black at the base

Synonyms
Papaver orientale 'Black and White'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Black White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Papaver can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and short-lived, saucer-shaped, 4-petalled flowers which may be solitary or in racemes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or propagate by root cuttings in late autumn to early winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down once flowers fade and foliage looks untidy

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt

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