BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Oriental poppy
• Genus: Papaver
• Species: orientale
• Cultivar: 'Pattys Plum'
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: well-drained/light
• Height: 0.7m
• Spread: 0.9m
• Time to plant seeds: March to May

Oriental poppies are among the most flamboyant of the early summer flowers, with enormous, often frilly double blooms in loud colours. 'Patty's Plum' is definitely a must-have variety with its handsome blackcurrant-purple flowers. Although they are hugely spectacular, the foliage becomes untidy after flowering unless cut back a few weeks later. This does not harm the plants, but it does leave a large gap in the border unless vigorous, but late, neighbouring plants can spread to occupy the space.