Papaver somniferum 'Single White-flowered'
(White Opium Poppy)
Family - Papaveraceae
Category - Annual
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - 1.2m
Width - 30cm
Location - The White Garden
Description: An annual with a tall, upright habit. Waxy grey-green leaves are oblong to heart-shaped with jagged, wavy margins. Large, single bowl-shaped poppy flowers are pure snow-white and face upwards. At the centre of each Bloom is a prominent green, disc-like stigma surrounded by a ring of stamens with yellow Anthers. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in early summer. The flowers are followed by attractive cup-shaped seed Capsules, sometimes referred to as pepper-pots, that are often used for cut flowers and drying. Opium is derived from the sap of the young seed Capsules and the small black seeds are used for culinary purposes.
Flower:
Large, single, bowl-shaped poppy flowers are pure white and face upwards. At the centre of each bloom is a prominent green, disc-like stigma surrounded by a ring of stamens with yellow anthers. The blooms are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in June (possibly later depending on when the seed was sown). The flowers are followed by cup-like, flat-topped seed capsules.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Bowl-shaped flowers held singly
Flowering time: June
Foliage:
Waxy grey-green leaves are Cordate to oblong in shape with lobed, jagged and undulating margins. The leaves are first held in basal rosettes, then in opposite pairs on the flowering stems. The leaves clasp the stems towards the top of the plant.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Oblong, cordate
Poison Information:
This plant may cause discomfort if ingested.
Propagation:
Seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in moisture retentive soil that is well drained.