Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Papaver orientale ‘Orange Scarlet’
Orange Scarlet Oriental Poppy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet tall
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet wide
- Flower color
- Orange-red
- Foliage color
- Blue-green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to medium; prefers well-draining soil
- Maintenance
- Moderate; cut back after flowering to promote new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees are attracted to the flowers
About this plant
Papaver orientale 'Orange Scarlet' is a herbaceous perennial prized for its large, showy flowers and striking color. Native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, and northern Iran, it produces vivid orange-red, saucer-shaped flowers with black blotches at the base of each petal from late spring to early summer. The delicate, papery petals give the flowers a soft, ethereal appearance, and while each flower lasts only a few days, they are quickly replaced, ensuring a long-lasting display. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, it forms clumps of bluish-green, hairy, lobed leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. Thriving in full sun, 'Orange Scarlet' is relatively low-maintenance and is well-suited for borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
