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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Papaver orientale ‘Orange Scarlet’

Orange Scarlet Oriental Poppy

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to medium; prefers well-draining soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.