Papaver somniferum Rose Feathers - Opium Poppy seeds

Papaver somniferum Rose Feathers produces original, double flowers with fringed or frilled petals in pink tones. This annual poppy blooms in summer. Its flowers are carried at the top of tall stems emerging from attractive, glaucous foliage. It is also appreciated for its decorative seed heads for dried flower compositions. This vigorous and undemanding plant can be sown directly in the ground, in the sun.

The annual poppy 'Rose Feathers' is an original horticultural variety dating back to 2019, derived from Papaver somniferum var. laciniatum. The wild opium poppy is found in Asian mountains, but also in Europe, on the limestone soils frequented by poppies. This plant, probably native to the regions between the Mediterranean and Asia Minor, has given rise to a multitude of varieties cultivated for ornamental purposes. 'Rose Feathers' has slightly silvery, soft green-blue foilage with wavy edges, composed of beautiful lobed and elliptical leaves with a notched and toothed edge. From this clump of foliage, 30 to 40 cm wide, tall stems emerge from June to August, carrying solitary, delicate and original flowers, which can resemble carnations, 10-11 cm in diameter. The multiple petals that make them up are irregular and fringed in shades of bright pink to pale pink. The base of the petals is marked by a black area, and the heart of the flower is adorned with a cluster of black stamens. The flowering gives way to characteristic, ornamental seed heads filled with small black seeds which take on slate blue highlights when drying, changing with the light due to the crystallized wax film that protects it. Opium poppies have a taproot that does not tolerate transplanting well, which is why it is best to sow them in place.

Opium poppies are suitable for sophisticated gardens as well as for cottage gardens and untended gardens. They can quickly and effortlessly create oceans of infinitely delicate flowers, moving their bright or pastel colours on the silvery foam of their foliage. While they are not very long-lasting when cut, the flowers of the 'Rose Feathers' Poppy have a charm when they accompany the heavier flowers of Chinese peonies, English shrub roses, or the moving foliage of ornamental grasses in flower beds. This annual plant is perfect for filling the gaps between annuals or large perennials, in full sun.