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Herbaceous Perennial

Papaver (Oriental Group) 'John III'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

oriental poppy 'John III'

'John III' is a compact herbaceous perennial to 60cm in height, with divided, bristly leaves and small, unspotted flowers of an unusual orange-red

Synonyms
Papaver orientale 'John III'

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

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down once flowers fade and foliage looks tatty

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

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

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