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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Oriental poppy
(Papaver orientale)
Also Known As
Oriental poppy, persian poppy, Icelandic poppy
About This Plant
Papaver orientale is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant species that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, and northern Iran. The plant has a clump-forming habit and produces large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, and white.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide
Light Requirements
Oriental poppies prefer full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
Humidity Needs
The plant is tolerant of average humidity levels and does not require any special attention in this regard.
Fertilizing Schedule
The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and again in midsummer. Avoid overfertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning Guidelines
The plant does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Common Pests and Diseases
Oriental poppies are generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. Proper sanitation practices and the use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help control these pests.
Indoor Size Range
Not suitable for indoor cultivation
Watering Schedule
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to wilting and stunted growth.
Temperature Range
Oriental poppies prefer cool temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C). They can tolerate frost and light freezes, but not extreme heat.
Growing Season
Late spring to early summer
Growing Difficulty Level
Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-7
Did You Know?
The sap of the Oriental poppy contains several alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, which have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
