Flowers
Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird' (Poppy)
Caucasian Scarlet Poppy
No cottage-garden border should be without this variety. Healthy clumps of heavily toothed, hairy green leaves emerge in spring. In summer, the blood-red blooms that appear are incredibly vibrant, each petal bearing a black triangle at the base. The stout flower stems should not require support.
- Plant type
- Hardy Annual
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 50cm
- Spread
- 15cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
March-May, sow where it is to grow in a well-prepared seed bed, in full sun. The seedlings do not like root disturbance, so simply thin to 20 cm apart but do not transplant. Will not germinate if planted in grass. Can also be sown Aug-Sep for flowering the following year, although it will need overwintering in a greenhouse, or protection with a cloche through harsh winters.
Aftercare
Cut flowers regularly and deadhead to prolong the flowering period.
Gallery
Ref. SEP002