Papaver (Poppy)
at Digging Dog

Including Papaver orientale and Papaver spicatum

Papaver

Poppy

Wielded by man since prehistoric times, Poppies have long been associated with sleep and oblivion, and after the First World War, the Flower of Forgetfulness ironically evolved into a symbol for remembrance. Generally distinguished by nodding buds, solitary fleeting flowers gracing long stems, and decorative seed heads, these sun-lovers appreciate a lean, well drained and somewhat dry position.

Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’ 

For the adventuresome gardener and not the faint-at-heart, this flamboyant beauty seduces us with her gorgeous oxblood red flowers. Marked by an ebony blotch at each base, the overlapping, crepe-paperlike petals gather around velvety jet black centers while lounging on tall sturdy stems. A restful counterpoint to the large hot-headed blooms, the bushy bluish green bed of pinnately lobed, toothed and hairy foliage requires a hard cut after blooming, winter chill, good air circulation and drainage, and a massed planting for best effect.

Blooms June.

Size: 2-1/2' high x 20" wide; hardy to zone 3.

Papaver orientale Beauty of Livermere (P-0986)
Each $6.50
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Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ 

Initially discovered as a chance seedling on the compost pile at Patricia Marrow’s Somerset nursery, this gorgeous Papaver is celebrated for its huge, uniquely colored plum wine flowers. The 5 to 6 in. wide elegant blooms showcase dark black blotches at the base of each papery petal and a blackberry-hued ring, which encompasses an ornate gold and maroon knobby boss. Splashing saturated color across the summer border or an arrangement, the opulent display is supported by serrated grayish green leaves.

Blooms June.

Size: 2-1/2' high x 20" wide; hardy to zone 3.

AVAILABLE SPRING 2010

Papaver orientale Patty’s Plum (p-1532)
Each $6.50
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Papaver orientale ‘Princess Victoria Louise’ 

With a lineage that takes you back to Armenia and the 17th century, this “princess” flaunts magnificent ample-sized flowers. Crumpled, tissue paper-thin petals in pretty salmon-pink colors are shaded by pronounced black blotches at their bases. A handsome blue-green clump of hairy, deeply cut foliage and long, somewhat relaxed stems present the dazzling display, while big fuzzy buds and knobby seed heads add intrigue.

Conveying a decidedly feminine aspect for the herbaceous border, ‘Princess Victoria Louise’ thrives in rich soil, requires a trim after blooming and seared stem ends to ensure long lasting cut flowers.

Blooms June.

Size: 2'–2-1/4' high x 15"–18" wide; hardy to zone 3.

Papaver orientale Princess Victoria Louise (P-1049)
Each $6.50
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Papaver orientale ‘Royal Wedding’ 

In a tribute to its name, the extravagant, deeply cupped flowers flaunt satiny white silken-thin petals waltzing around a plush purple-black brocaded center. All this floral finery dresses a bluish green pedestal of fuzzy fernlike leaves that grows weary during the summer but bounces back for a pleasing winter presence.

Blooms June.

Size: 2-1/2' high x 20" wide; hardy to zone 3.

Papaver orientale Royal Wedding (P-1550)
Each $6.50
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Papaver spicatum 

The English use the word “blowsy” to describe its billowy, cloudlike presence; we think it apt. Quick to establish itself in well drained soils, this Poppy’s sheer, papery blossoms have a soft, creamy apricot coloring. Prominent rounded buds, dentate leaves and the plentiful stand of flowering stems are heavily felted in gray. When planted with silvery Stachys, a soft pastel palette is achieved that welcomes the lilac hues of Nepeta ‘Longipes’.

Blooms June–July.

Size: 18"–2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6.

Papaver spicatum (P-0964)
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