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Key characteristics

Family: Papaveraceae
Height: 8–10 inches
Width: 6–8 inches
Flower color: White, yellow, orange, red, or salmon
Foliage color: Gray-green
Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low; remove faded flowers to encourage rebloom; may self-seed in favorable conditions
Growing zone: USDA zones 4–6
Wildlife: Attracts bees; deer-resistant

Perennials

Papaver alpinum

Alpine Poppy

Papaver alpinum is a charming perennial that thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and high-altitude environments. It is known for its white, orange or yellow flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer. The blooms are delicate, with four rounded petals, and are set atop slender, wiry stems that rise above the mound of foliage. This plant does best in full sun, where its flowers can catch the light and stand out against its green, fern-like leaves.

Light

Full sun

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Late spring to mid-summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rock Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)