Papaver somniferum
opium poppy
A smooth, glaucous annual, to 120cm, with heart-shaped leaves, the upper ones clasping the stem and with toothed, wavy margins. The wide-open flowers have large petals surrounding a green, urn-shaped capsule with a flat cap, and many dark purple or yellow stamens. The capsule enlarges after flowering and makes a decorative cut flower fresh or dried. Colour is variable, often white or mauve, but garden selections may be in many shades of red, pink, purple and near black. Double and laciniate forms are widely available
Other common names
balewortcarnation poppy
see morefairy's charms
Joan silver pin
John's silver pin
marble flower
maw seed
opium
peony poppy
white poppy
dream plant
flower of Venus
moonflower
sweet slumber
Synonyms
Papaver hortense
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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 | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink Red White | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- W & C Mediterranean, Macaronesia
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Short-lived flowers have distinctive ""pepper-pot"" seed pods
Propagation
Propagate by seed in situ during spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required but deadhead if seed is not required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, fungal wilts and verticillium wilt
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.