Intriguing blooms

‘Patty’s Plum’ Oriental poppy is more than just a stunning flower! You won’t have to worry about keeping insects, disease or deer away. Find potted plants sold in spring. Or purchase them from a mail-order supplier, and bare roots will ship in late summer or early fall.

To plant both types, dig a hole roughly a foot deep and wide. Set the crown — you may need to dig around in a potted plant to see exactly where it is — so it’s 3 inches below the surface of the soil.

‘Patty’s Plum’ is a great cut flower, too. And they’ll last longer if you seal the sap — just sear the cut stem over a flame before putting it into water.

‘Patty’s Plum’ Oriental poppy

Papaver orientale

Type Perennial

Blooms Plum-purple in spring

Light Full sun

Soil Moist, well-drained

Size 24 to 32 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide

Cold-hardy USDA zones 3 to 7

Heat-tolerant AHS zones 7 to 1

Source White Flower Farm