Papaver orientale Oosterse Klaproos - Oriental Poppy

A mix of Oriental poppies, also known as Papaver orientale or Oosterse Klaproos, with large single flowers in various colours. Their silky corollas bloom all summer long, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed. It is also distinguished by its strong stems emerging from beautiful bluish-green foliage and its pretty fruits at the end of the season, perfect for dried bouquets. This plant is as comfortable in modern-inspired gardens as it is in country flower beds. Perennial and hardy, it can be sown directly in sunny flower beds with fertile soil.

Papaver orientale is an herbaceous perennial of the poppy family, originating from Asia. The 'Oosterse Klaproos' mix is a selection of various colours that can be easily propagated by sowing. This plant has robust stems that are approximately 70 cm (28in) tall. It forms a bushy clump reaching 40 cm (16in) in height (for the foliage) and 50 cm (20in) in width. Flowering begins in early June and continues in July, usually halted by heat and drought. Each flower stalk bears a single pendant bud that turns upward to give birth to a large single flower, approximately 15 cm (6in) in diameter, with slightly wrinkled silky petals, in white, pink, red, orange... The flower remains open for a few hours before dropping its petals. Well-established plants produce several flower stalks, ensuring flower renewal for about 3 weeks. After flowering, the foliage tends to disappear, leaving room in autumn for a small basal rosette, which is a characteristic adaptation to high temperatures and summer drought. This plant has wide rough, dissected and hairy leaves, giving them a very decorative grey-blue hue. The fleshy and deep roots of this Oriental poppy do not tolerate transplanting well, especially in mature plants.

An excellent transitional plant for flower beds, the Oriental poppy blooms during a lull period (after spring blooms and before summer blooms). It pairs well with aniseed colours of Euphorbia cyparissias or Alchemilla mollis. Oriental poppies are as comfortable in sophisticated flower beds as they are in cottage gardens or rustic compositions. Combine them with artemisias, lavenders, asters, and nepetas with light blooms. They also beautifully accompany autumn stonecrops whose foliage develops during the summer, Damask nigellas, and cosmos for a summer atmosphere with soft colours. In any case, accompany them with perennials as they will fill the space left empty after flowering. They are also sturdy and undemanding plants, capable of thriving in poor, rocky, and dry soils in summer.