Papaver somniferum 'Danebrog'
(Opium Poppy 'Danish Flag')
Family - Papaveraceae
Category - Annual
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - 1.2m
Width - 20cm
Location - The Hot Garden
Description: An annual with a tall, upright habit. Grey-green leaves are oblong to heart-shaped with jagged, wavy margins. Large, single bowl-shaped flowers are vivid scarlet red, each petal is marked with a white spot at the base which collectively will form a cross. The petals are often fringed around the margins and the flowers 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 produced in early summer, possibly later. 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 can be derived from the sap of the young seed Capsules and the black seeds are used for culinary purposes.
Flower:
Large, single bowl-shaped flowers are bright scarlet red and each petal is marked with a white spot at the base, which collectively will form cross. The petals are often fringed around the margins. 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: Red, 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 opposite pairs on the flowering stems. The leaves clasp the stems towards the top of the Bloom.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Ovate to 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.