Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum'

Where to Plant:

A famously beautiful and unusual Oriental Poppy, 'Patty's Plum' has large, tissue-paper-like flowers in a unique shade of dusky mauve-plum with dark purple blotches. It needs a spot in full sun to thrive and flower well. The soil must be well-drained as it hates wet feet, especially in winter when its long taproot is vulnerable to rot. It is a stunning addition to a sunny border, where its unique colouring can be combined with silver foliage plants or contrasting blues and purples.

How to Plant:

The best time to plant is in the spring or autumn. You can plant pot-grown poppies now, but do not be alarmed when the leaves die back for their summer rest. Dig a deep planting hole to avoid constricting the long taproot. Carefully place the plant in the hole, ensuring it is planted at the same depth as it was in its pot. Firm the soil around it and give it a good watering. Space individual plants about 60cm apart to give them room to develop.

Aftercare:

Once the spectacular flowers have faded in early summer, the entire plant should be cut back to the ground. This will encourage a fresh rosette of leaves to grow in the autumn. It is very important to know that the plant goes dormant in mid-summer and will look like an empty space; this is a natural part of its life cycle. The tall flower stems are heavy and will need staking to support them, ideally by placing a support frame over the plant before it gets too tall.