Stunning in its simplicity, the black/white design of Poppy orientale ‘Perry's White’ guarantees to make a breathtaking impression in the border.
Startling white petals form a large, silky bowl, with its purple-black basal blotches and dark boss exercising a dramatic contrast. The flowers measure around 20cm in diameter and are carried on tall, strong stems above basal clumps of bristly foliage. This hardy perennial is right at home in a cottage style, wildlife-friendly garden where its impressive flowers will lure a host of beneficial pollinators. After the blooms have finished, the seedheads continue to offer architectural interest and make an interesting addition to cut flower arrangements.
The silky, over-sized flowers make a glamorous display, but Poppy orientale is a surprisingly tough perennial thriving in sunny, free-draining sites and offering a second flush of flowers in good summers if plants are cut right down to the ground after the first flush. Height and spread: 50cm (20in) to 1m (39in).
Growing Information
These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. The growth points of most bare root perennials should be set about an inch below the soil surface. New growth will appear in spring.
When growing Oriental Poppies, choose a sunny position in rich fertile, well drained soil. Add plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to the soil prior to planting, mixing it thoroughly and deeply.
