Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'
opium poppy (Lauren's Grape)
A recent introduction with rich purple-plum petals, which unfurl from their silken buds to create magnificent bowl-shaped flowers. These sit majestically on top of somewhat twisted stems that arise from amongst clumps of greyish green foliage throughout the summer.
The bold colouring of Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' is perfect for borders with a 'bruised' planting scheme.
Please note that while the rest of the plant is harmful if eaten, the poppy seeds collected from the dried, decorative seedpods are edible for baking, or adding flavour to curries and salads.
The bold colouring of Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' is perfect for borders with a 'bruised' planting scheme.
Please note that while the rest of the plant is harmful if eaten, the poppy seeds collected from the dried, decorative seedpods are edible for baking, or adding flavour to curries and salads.
How to care for Papaver somniferum Lauren's Grape:
These poppies tend to resent root disturbance, so plant or sow them in situ. If you don't want them to self-seed, then remove the spent flowerheads after the petals fall. If however you'd like another batch of self-sown seedlings in subsequent years, leave the seedheads intact, and when the seed has ripened, give them a gentle shake to spread their contents.
When watering, avoid the 'little and often' approach, but when the soil becomes dry, water thoroughly so it can really soak in.
When watering, avoid the 'little and often' approach, but when the soil becomes dry, water thoroughly so it can really soak in.
Sowing instructions:
Sow shallowly, directly into a well prepared bed in spring, or (for an earlier display the following year) late summer to early autumn. Water well and as the seedlings appear, thin them out to 30cm intervals keeping just the healthiest and most robust ones to develop.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
