Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'
opium poppy 'Lauren's Grape'
An upright annual, to 90cm tall, with deeply lobed, grey-green leaves and single, bowl-shaped, rich purple flowers, to 10cm across, with a glossy black basal blotch, which are followed by decorative pepperpot seedpods; good for cutting fresh or dried
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- 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
Easy to grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in situ in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Gravel garden
Pruning
No pruning required but deadhead to prevent re-seeding
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews in wet conditions and fungal wilts
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.