Papaver orientale Beauty of Livermere at Digging Dog Nursery |

Papaver orientale
‘Beauty of Livermere’
at Digging Dog

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.