Papaver orientale Coral Reef - Oriental Poppy

A bright salmon-pink colour and a texture reminiscent of crepe for the petals of this Oriental poppy, also known as Papaver orientale Coral Reef. Its corolla twirls around a beautiful dark heart populated with black stamens. Perennial and hardy, it can be sown in sunny flower beds. It also stands out for its sturdy stems emerging from beautiful blue-green foliage. At the end of the season, its lovely fruits are helpful in dried flower arrangements.

The Papaver orientale, or Tournefort's poppy, is a herbaceous perennial of the Papaveraceae family, native to Asia. 'Coral Reef' has robust stems, reaching approximately 60 cm (24in) in height. It forms a bushy clump, reaching a minimum height of 40 cm (16in) (for the foliage) and a minimum width of 30 cm (12in). Flowering begins in early June and continues into July, usually stopped by heat and drought. Each floral stem bears a single drooping bud that turns upwards to give rise to a large single flower, approximately 15 cm (6in) in diameter, with slightly crumpled, dark salmon-pink petals surrounding a wide, prominent, almost black centre. The flower remains open for a few hours before dropping its petals. Established plants produce multiple floral stems, with flowers for approximately three weeks. After flowering, the foliage tends to disappear, leaving a small basal rosette in autumn, characteristic of an adaptation to high temperatures and summer drought. This plant has large, rough, and hairy leaves, giving them a decorative grey-blue reflection. The fleshy and deep roots of this Oriental poppy do not tolerate transplantation well, especially in mature plants.

An excellent transitional plant for flower beds, the 'Coral Reef' Oriental poppy blooms during a lull period (after spring blooms and before summer blooms). It pairs well with aniseed colours such as Euphorbia cyparissias or Alchemilla mollis. Oriental poppies are home in sophisticated flower beds, cottage gardens, or wildflower compositions. Combine them with artemisias, lavenders, asters, and nepetas with delicate blooms. They also beautifully accompany autumn stonecrops, whose foliage develops during summer, Damask nigellas, and cosmos for a summer ambience with soft colours. In any case, accompany them with perennials, as they will fill the space after flowering. They are also sturdy and undemanding plants, capable of thriving in poor, rocky, and dry soils in summer.