Papaver

The Papaver genus, commonly referred to as poppies, is celebrated for its vibrant and diverse flower colors that range from the fiery shades of yellow and orange to the delicate hues of white, red, and pink. These herbaceous plants, with their distinctively colorful blooms, are a captivating addition to any garden. Their foliage, in varying tones of green and grey, provides a lush backdrop that further accentuates the brilliance of their flowers. Not evergreen, poppies offer a seasonal display that leaves a lasting impression with their fleeting but unforgettable beauty. At Heijnen Plants, we are proud to cultivate these exquisite species, ensuring that each plant is nurtured to embody the quintessential charm that poppies are known for.

40cm

Papaver nudicaule 'Gartenzwerg' Icelandic poppy Gartenzwerg Group

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

60cm

Papaver orientale 'Allegro' Oriental poppy

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

70cm

Papaver orientale 'Brilliant' Oriental poppy

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^20From

Papaver orientale 'Princess Victoria Louise'

70cm

Papaver orientale 'Princess Victoria Louise' Oriental poppy

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

70cm

Papaver orientale 'Royal Wedding' Oriental poppy

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

40cm

Papaver nudicaule 'Matador' Icelandic poppy

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^20From

Buy Papaver

The Papaver genus, commonly known as poppies, presents a collection of plants renowned for their vibrant and delicate flowers that dance atop slender stems. This group of flowering plants brings a burst of color to any garden, with blooming varieties that grace the warmer months of May through August. Their distinctive flowers come in an array of hues including yellow, orange, white, red, pink, and even black, set against a contrasting backdrop of green, grey, or silver foliage.

Poppies are not only a symbol of remembrance but also a favorite among gardeners for their ability to enhance borders, group plantings, and edge settings. Their striking presence adds an artistic touch to any landscape, evoking a sense of whimsy and natural beauty.

Key Features

Poppies are celebrated for their simplicity and ease of cultivation, thriving in well-drained soils of various types and requiring full sun to partial shade to flourish. Their foliage, while not evergreen, presents an attractive spectrum of green, grey, and silver throughout the growing seasons.

This genus is notably versatile, accommodating diverse garden designs from formal borders to informal cottage gardens. Poppies are deciduous, which allows for a dynamic transformation of garden spaces as the seasons change, their foliage and flowers giving way to the underlying structure of the garden during the dormant months.

Tips for Cultivating Poppies

To achieve the best results with Papaver, consider these gardening tips:

Ensure proper drainage in your garden beds to prevent waterlogging, which poppies do not tolerate well. Amend the soil with organic matter if necessary to improve drainage.
When planting poppies, choose a location that receives ample sunlight for the most abundant and vibrant blooms. However, some afternoon shade in hotter climates can help prevent the delicate flowers from fading too quickly.
Poppies are not drought resistant; regular watering during dry spells will help maintain their health and vitality.
Propagation can be accomplished in various ways. Sowing seeds directly into the garden is a straightforward method, or for a more controlled approach, divide established plants or take root cuttings during the cooler parts of the year.
If you're dividing plants or taking root cuttings, be gentle with the roots to prevent unnecessary stress to the plants. After division or cutting, allow the plants to establish in pots before transplanting them into the garden.
Avoid over-fertilizing as poppies thrive in poorer soils and excessive nutrients can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

By heeding these guidelines, you can enjoy the exquisite beauty of poppies in your garden for many seasons to come.

Types

Embrace the vibrant hues and delicate beauty of the poppy, a plant that has captured the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. With petals that seem to dance in the breeze and a palette that ranges from the softest pastels to the most intense shades, poppies are a painter's dream and a garden's pride. Allow the distinct varieties of this enchanting genus to infuse your landscape with their unmistakable charm and elegance.

The Papaver nudicaule 'Gartenzwerg', also known as the Icelandic poppy Gartenzwerg Group, is a delightful addition to any garden with its vibrant blooms. Flourishing from May through August, these plants offer a kaleidoscope of colors including yellow, orange, and white. Their delicate, tissue-paper-like flowers create a captivating display that adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the summer landscape. Ideal for borders and ornamental garden beds, the Gartenzwerg Group is a sure way to infuse your garden with a splash of color throughout the warmer months.
The Papaver nudicaule 'Matador', or Icelandic poppy 'Matador', presents a stunning visual with its vivid red blooms that are reminiscent of a matador's cape. Its flowering peak in the months of June, July, and August brings a fiery energy to any garden setting. These hardy perennials are known for their delicate, crepe-paper-like petals and thrive in cooler climates. The 'Matador' variety is particularly striking when planted en masse, creating a bold and dramatic statement in garden borders or as a captivating focal point.
The vibrant Papaver orientale 'Allegro', or oriental poppy, is a perennial favorite among gardeners seeking to add a touch of drama to their borders. With its large, cup-shaped blooms in dazzling shades of orange and red, this plant becomes a focal point in any garden during its peak flowering months of May and June. The oriental poppy 'Allegro' is particularly noted for its striking black centers, which contrast beautifully with its flamboyant petals, creating an eye-catching display that is both bold and beautiful.

Ideal placement of a Papaver

To achieve optimal growth and vibrant blooms, this species thrives best in a location that receives full sun. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, where it will still produce flowers, albeit possibly with reduced vigor. Well-drained soil is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which this genus does not favor. The plant's versatility allows it to adapt to various soil types, making it a flexible choice for many garden designs. Whether gracing a border, enhancing group plantings, or edging pathways, ensuring it has adequate sunlight will lead to a stunning display of its colorful blooms throughout the flowering months.

Planting a Papaver

For successful establishment in your garden, plant Papaver in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. These plants thrive in a variety of well-drained soils, making them versatile for different garden settings. When planting, ensure there is adequate space between them to accommodate their mature size and promote air circulation. Planting can be done effectively with pot-grown specimens, allowing for flexibility outside of the flowering season. After planting, regular watering will encourage strong root development. To maintain vigor and health, consider propagation by division or root cuttings during the appropriate seasons, ensuring a continuous display of their vibrant blossoms.

Fertilising a Papaver

To ensure the Papaver thrives and produces its iconic, vibrant blooms, a balanced approach to nutrition is essential. Fertilizing should be done sparingly; over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support the onset of growth. A second, lighter application can be made after the first flush of flowers has faded, to encourage a potential second bloom in the late summer months.

It's important to apply the fertilizer around the base of the plants, integrating it gently into the soil without disturbing the roots. Water the area thoroughly after fertilizing to help disperse the nutrients into the soil, providing an optimal growing environment for these beloved perennials.

Pruning a Papaver

Pruning of Papaver should be approached with care, as it typically requires minimal intervention. After the bloom period, which spans from May through August, faded flowers can be deadheaded to encourage further blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. As the flowering season concludes, allow the plants to die back naturally, and then cut the foliage down to ground level in late autumn. This not only helps to prevent overcrowding but also promotes vigorous growth for the following season.

Watering a Papaver

Ensuring the vibrant blooms of Papaver receive adequate moisture is crucial, particularly during their active growth and flowering period from spring through summer. Although these species can thrive in various soil conditions, they prefer well-drained environments and may require more vigilant watering during extended periods of dryness or drought. It is recommended to provide a deep watering to encourage a robust root system, rather than superficial, more frequent watering. This method helps the plants develop resilience and maintain their health and floriferous nature throughout their blooming months.

The characteristics of a Papaver

When cultivating Papaver, one often overlooked aspect is its ability to self-seed under the right conditions, providing a delightful surprise of new growth in subsequent seasons. To enhance this natural propagation, allow some of the flowers to develop into seed heads. Moreover, the delicate appearance of the blossoms belies their resilience; these plants can thrive in less fertile soils, making them a robust choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.

Separating/dividing a Papaver

For the rejuvenation and health of Papaver, division is an effective method. This cultivation technique is best carried out during the more temperate seasons of spring or autumn. Begin by carefully lifting the plant from the soil, ensuring to minimize disturbance to the root system. Once removed, gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ideally with a sharp knife or spade to avoid tearing. Each division should have a robust set of roots to facilitate successful re-establishment when replanted. This process not only stimulates new growth but also manages the size and shape of the poppies, maintaining their vigor and bloom performance.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!