Papaver orientale Heartbeat - Oriental Poppy

Papaver orientale 'Heartbeat' is a variety of Oriental Poppy that catches everyone's attention when its large red flowers bloom in June. Carried by long sturdy stems, their two rows of slightly crumpled petals are a deep blood red, enhanced by a dark centre that gives them a beautiful appearance. 'Heartbeat' has the unique characteristic of blooming two to three times depending on the climate and year, making it a stunning addition to perennial flower beds. It forms a clump of well-ornamental, green, dissected leaves that contrast nicely with the flowering. The Oriental Poppy is a perennial plant that is easy to grow in all good deep soils, in full sun.

The Poppy or Papaver is a member of the Papaveraceae family, which includes 42 genera and 775 species, including many beautiful flowers like Meconopsis betonicifolia (Himalayan Blue Poppy) with its incredible blue flowers. The Oriental Poppy, or Tournefort's Poppy, is a perennial plant native to Asia Minor, introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 18th century. The botanical species grows from the Caucasus to Iran, passing through Turkey, where it forms perennial stumps, with above-ground vegetation dying in winter and reappearing in spring. Each plant develops a few villous stems, emerging from a compact clump of dissected leaves, and each stem carries a solitary flower. With a diameter of 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in), the flower consists of 4 to 6 petals, mostly red in colour, but sometimes also white, orange, or lavender. Starting in late May, flowering is interrupted in July by the heat prevailing in these regions.
Many horticultural varieties have been produced, seeking to improve the original species. This is the case with 'Heartbeat' which is part of a hybridization work started about thirty years ago in California. Introduced to the market by breeder James DeWelt, this variety is much more floriferous than the botanical species, as one plant can carry up to 12 flower stems. Relatively long-lasting, flowering can also occur again once or twice, and the sturdy stems allow full enjoyment without the risk of breaking in the first gust of wind. The flowers, wider than those of the wild plant, are visible from afar, carried by 80cm (32in) tall stems. They are a deep blood red, with two rows of slightly crumpled petals that give them undeniable charm. Black at the base, the petals contrast with the dark and intricate centre, composed of the reproductive floral parts that display shades of purple and blue. The corollas mainly bloom in June, and again later in summer, especially in cooler regions.

This Oriental Poppy 'Heartbeat' will be perfect for adding vibrant colour to a sunny flower bed. Pair them with other flowering perennials and bushes to compensate for the periods when it is not in bloom. Consider Irises, which thrive in the same growing conditions and offer a wide range of colours. The charming Scabiosa, with flowers in shades of blue, yellow, pink, purple, and white, will accompany and extend the Poppy's flowering period throughout the summer. Oenothera missouriensis, a perennial ground cover with large lemon yellow flowers during summer, is also well-suited to dry conditions and poor soils.