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Oriental Poppy

Papaver orientale

Papaver orientale Papaver orientale
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Also in this family:
Atlantic Poppy, Bird-in-a-bush, Bleeding Heart, Californian Poppy, Climbing Corydalis, Common Fumitory, Common Poppy, Common Ramping Fumitory, Dense-flowered Fumitory, Few-flowered Fumitory, Fine-leaved Fumitory, Greater Celandine, Hollowroot, Long-headed Poppy, Martin's Ramping Fumitory, Opium Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Purple Ramping Fumitory, Rough Poppy, Tall Ramping Fumitory, Welsh Poppy, Western Ramping Fumitory, White Ramping Fumitory, Yellow Corydalis, Yellow-horned Poppy, Yellow-juiced Poppy
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
1 metre tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, meadows, roadsides, rocky places, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Red, 6 petals
 
The flowers are very large compared to most poppy species, up to 12cm across. Oriental Poppy has got 4 to 6 deep red, papery petals with black basal blotches. Flowers can also be pink or orange. 2 or 3 sepals. Pollinated by bees.
Fruit:
The fruit are pods which are commonly referred to as capsules. The capsules are elongated and contain small, kidney-shaped seeds. As the capsules mature, they develop a porous top, and when the seeds are fully ripe, the pores open to release them. The seeds are typically small, round, and dark in color. While the capsules are not typically consumed, the ornamental value of the plant lies in its vibrant flowers rather than the fruit. The seeds ripen in July and August.
Leaves:
4 to 7-pinnate stem leaves. The leaves are very hairy with irregularly toothed margins. This species is normally seen in gardens but it's occasionally encountered as a garden escape species. Perennial. The Oriental Poppy is much larger than the similar looking Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and Long-headed Poppy (Papaver dubium).
Aroma:
The Oriental Poppy is known for its striking and visually appealing flowers, but it is generally not celebrated for its fragrance. Unlike some other flowers that are prized for their scent, the Oriental Poppy is not renowned for a strong or distinctive fragrance. The focus of appreciation for this plant tends to be on its vibrant and showy blooms rather than its scent. Therefore, if you're looking for flowers with a notable fragrance, the Oriental Poppy may not be the first choice, and other flowering plants may be more suitable.
Other Names:
Pseudo-oriental Poppy.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Common Poppy
Common Poppy

Long-headed Poppy
Long-headed Poppy

Other Information

Summary

Papaver pseudoorientale, commonly known as the Oriental poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is native to the Caucasus, Asia Minor and Iran. The plant is known for its large, brightly colored flowers that can be red, orange, pink, or white, with a dark spot at the base of each petal. The flowers are typically 4-6 inches across and appear in late spring to early summer. The plant has hairy leaves and the stem is also hairy, it can grow up to 3 feet tall. The Oriental poppy is a popular ornamental plant and is grown for its large, showy flowers. It is hardy, easy to grow and requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Blog

The Oriental Poppy, also known as Papaver pseudoorientale, is a stunning flowering plant that is native to the Caucasus region, Iran, and Turkmenistan. This beautiful plant has been cultivated for centuries for its colorful blooms, and it remains a popular choice among gardeners and florists alike.

Appearance

The Oriental Poppy is a herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of about 3 feet (1 meter). Its leaves are green, deeply lobed, and hairy, and they grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The plant produces tall, wiry stems that support large, cup-shaped flowers that can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. These blooms are often described as having a crumpled texture and come in a range of colors, including red, orange, pink, and white.

Cultivation

The Oriental Poppy is relatively easy to cultivate, making it a popular choice among gardeners. It prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, but it can also tolerate some shade. The plant is best grown from seeds, which should be sown in the spring or early summer. It is important to note that the seeds of the Oriental Poppy need light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil rather than buried.

Once established, the Oriental Poppy requires little maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional feeding. However, it is important to note that the plant can be short-lived, typically lasting only 2-3 years. To keep the plant healthy and encourage it to produce more blooms, it is recommended to divide the plant every 2-3 years in the early spring.

Uses

The Oriental Poppy is a versatile plant that is often used in gardens, borders, and as a cut flower in floral arrangements. Its large, colorful blooms make it a standout plant in any setting, and it is particularly popular for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The plant's seeds are also used in cooking, particularly in Middle Eastern cuisine. The seeds are often ground into a paste and used to flavor bread, pastries, and other dishes.

The Oriental Poppy is a beautiful and versatile plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. Its stunning blooms, attractive foliage, and culinary uses make it a popular choice among gardeners, florists, and foodies alike. Whether grown in a garden or used in a recipe, the Oriental Poppy is sure to add a pop of color and interest to any setting.

Additional Information about the Oriental Poppy

The Oriental Poppy is not only beautiful but also has a rich history and cultural significance. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, with the seeds and flowers traditionally used to treat pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

In addition to its medicinal uses, the Oriental Poppy has also played a role in art and literature. The plant has been featured in the works of famous poets such as John Keats, who wrote a poem entitled "Ode to a Nightingale" that included the line, "Through the sad heart of Ruth, when, sick for home, She stood in tears amid the alien corn; The same that oft-times hath Charmed magic casements, opening on the foam Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn."

The plant has also been a popular subject for artists, with its vibrant colors and unique texture making it a favorite among painters and photographers alike.

In terms of symbolism, the Oriental Poppy is often associated with remembrance and the fallen soldiers of war. This is due in part to the fact that the plant blooms in the spring, around the time of many national holidays commemorating fallen soldiers, such as Memorial Day in the United States.

One interesting feature of the Oriental Poppy is its ability to produce opium, a powerful narcotic drug. The plant is one of several species of poppies that can produce opium, which is extracted from the plant's latex. Opium has been used for centuries for its pain-relieving properties, but it is also highly addictive and can have serious health consequences if used improperly.

Due to the potential for misuse, the cultivation of opium poppies is heavily regulated in many parts of the world. However, the Oriental Poppy is still grown for ornamental purposes in many regions, particularly in Europe and North America.

Another unique aspect of the Oriental Poppy is its ability to self-seed. The plant produces large quantities of seeds, which can fall to the ground and germinate without any human intervention. This can result in the plant spreading quickly and potentially becoming invasive in certain areas. However, with proper care and management, the Oriental Poppy can be a stunning and low-maintenance addition to any garden or landscape.

In terms of environmental benefits, the Oriental Poppy is an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. The plant's brightly colored blooms are particularly attractive to bees, which play a vital role in pollinating many of the world's crops.

Overall, the Oriental Poppy is a fascinating and versatile plant with a rich history and cultural significance. From its medicinal uses to its symbolism in art and literature, this beautiful plant continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.

Notable Facts about the Oriental Poppy

20 Facts About the Oriental Poppy:

  1. The scientific name for the Oriental Poppy is Papaver pseudoorientale.
  2. The plant is native to the Caucasus region, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
  3. The Oriental Poppy is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height.
  4. Its leaves are green, deeply lobed, and hairy, growing up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
  5. The plant produces tall, wiry stems that support large, cup-shaped flowers up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
  6. The blooms come in a range of colors, including red, orange, pink, and white.
  7. The Oriental Poppy prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight but can also tolerate some shade.
  8. It is best grown from seeds sown on the surface of the soil, requiring light to germinate.
  9. The plant requires little maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional feeding.
  10. The Oriental Poppy is short-lived, typically lasting only 2-3 years.
  11. It is recommended to divide the plant every 2-3 years in the early spring to keep it healthy and encourage more blooms.
  12. The plant's seeds are used in cooking, particularly in Middle Eastern cuisine.
  13. The Oriental Poppy has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries to treat pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
  14. The plant has played a role in art and literature and has been featured in works by famous poets such as John Keats.
  15. The Oriental Poppy is often associated with remembrance and fallen soldiers of war due to its blooming time around national holidays commemorating such individuals.
  16. The plant can produce opium, a powerful narcotic drug.
  17. The Oriental Poppy can self-seed, potentially becoming invasive in certain areas.
  18. The plant is an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
  19. The Oriental Poppy is a popular choice among gardeners, florists, and foodies alike.
  20. The plant continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.

The Oriental Poppy, or Papaver pseudoorientale, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the Caucasus region, Iran, and Turkmenistan. It produces large, cup-shaped flowers in a range of colors, including red, orange, pink, and white, and prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant can be grown from seeds and requires little maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional feeding. The Oriental Poppy is short-lived, typically lasting only 2-3 years, and can produce opium. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes, featured in art and literature, and associated with remembrance and fallen soldiers of war. It is also an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators and is a popular choice among gardeners, florists, and foodies alike.

Video

Oriental Poppies filmed in Formby and Southport on the 4th June 2023.

 

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