Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale 'Patty's Plum')
Papaver orientale 'Patty's Plum' offers unusual soft plum Oriental poppy blooms from June to July. Hardy in Zones 3-7.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ stands out among Oriental poppies due to its unusual and captivating flower color—a soft plum hue that contrasts beautifully with the typical reds and oranges found in this genus. These spectacular blooms appear on tall, sturdy stems, marking an early season highlight in temperate gardens. As a vigorous clump-forming plant, this variety provides a dramatic focal point when in flower during late spring and early summer.
While the large, crepe-papery flowers are breathtaking, gardeners must be aware that the foliage of the Oriental poppy yellows and dies back shortly after blooming finishes. This results in a temporary void in the mid-summer garden, a characteristic common to many clump-forming poppies. However, new basal mats of foliage typically emerge in the fall, providing greenery that overwinters successfully until the next spring growth spurt.
Cultivating Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ successfully requires attention to drainage, as these cold-hardy plants perform best when protected from excessive summer humidity and root rot conditions. Their unique coloring makes them a must-have for enthusiasts looking to incorporate less traditional shades into their perennial displays before the height of summer heat arrives.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Papaveraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Soft plum
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ where it will receive full sun throughout the day. The soil must be organically rich, fertile, and, critically, possess excellent drainage. This Oriental poppy performs well even in average garden soils, provided water does not linger around the roots, especially during winter dormancy when wet soils invite root rot.
Watering should be consistent enough to maintain medium soil moisture levels during the active growing phase, but avoid overwatering once the plant begins to slow down in summer. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is prepared well initially. Deadheading spent flowers promptly is advised, not just for tidiness, but because self-seeded plants from these flowers may not retain the desirable ‘Patty’s Plum’ coloring.
As a cold-hardy perennial requiring winter dormancy, this plant often struggles south of Zone 7 due to intolerance for high summer heat and humidity. Mulching lightly in the winter can help stabilize soil temperatures until the plant is fully established. If support is needed for the heavy blooms, staking should be done early before the flower stalks reach their full height to avoid disturbing the roots later.
Landscape Uses
Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ is highly effective when planted in single clumps or small groupings within mixed perennial borders, capitalizing on its strong seasonal impact. The dramatic, 4 to 6-inch diameter cup-shaped flowers draw the eye immediately to their soft plum petals and dark centers during the June and July bloom window. Using this plant allows gardeners to achieve a dynamic structure in their borders.
A key strategic move when planting this Oriental poppy involves selecting suitable companions. Because the foliage of Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ disappears completely in early to mid-summer, interplanting is highly recommended to mask the resulting bare patch. Excellent partners include plants whose foliage expands as the season progresses, such as Boltonia or Gypsophila, which softly fill the void left behind when the poppy goes dormant.
These poppies look best as bold accents rather than mass plantings, allowing the unique color of ‘Patty’s Plum’ to be appreciated against contrasting green textures. Ensure companion selections also thrive in full sun and appreciate well-drained conditions for the best long-term partnership.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Papaver orientale, commonly called oriental poppy, is among the most popular poppies available, usually featuring colors like red, orange, and pink. ‘Patty’s Plum’ is unique, offering soft plum petals, each possessing dark blotches at the base surrounding a boss of dark purple stamens. These large, solitary, crepe-papery flowers appear on long stalks atop serrated, thistle-like leaves that emerge in fall and overwinter until they rapidly grow before flowering.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
This plant is generally free from serious insect or disease pressures, which contributes to its medium maintenance rating. The primary cultural concern involves soil moisture management; wet, poorly-drained sites can lead to significant issues like root rot, especially throughout the winter dormant period. Fungal issues such as powdery mildew and Botrytis can also appear under damp conditions. Gardeners should also be aware that the mature flower stalks can sprawl, sometimes necessitating minor support to keep the heavy blooms upright.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Oriental poppy suitable for?
Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ is suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 7, requiring that crucial winter dormancy period.
How large does Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 2 and 2.5 feet, with a spread generally spanning 1.5 to 2 feet.
What sun exposure does Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ need?
This variety requires full sun exposure to thrive and produce its best display of soft plum flowers.
When does Oriental poppy bloom?
The bloom time for Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ is typically from June into July, showcasing its large, uniquely colored flowers.
Conclusion
Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ offers exceptional garden drama through its unusually colored soft plum flowers, making it a sought-after addition to spring borders. While beautiful, remember that its foliage disappears mid-summer, requiring thoughtful companion planting to maintain border continuity. Before planting, confirm your site matches the full sun and well-drained soil requirements to ensure success with this distinct Oriental poppy cultivar.
Companion Planting Strategy
Selecting the right partners is crucial to managing the ephemeral nature of Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’. Because the foliage vanishes after flowering, focus on perennials that begin their growth surge in mid to late summer. Reliable companions that thrive in similar full sun, well-drained environments include Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum species) or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), whose airy structures mask the empty space left by the poppy.
Furthermore, consider plants with contrasting textures when the poppy is actively growing. The bold, almost coarse texture of the poppy leaves contrasts nicely with softer foliage like that of ornamental grasses starting their summer ascent. Ensure that any chosen companion does not require rich, consistently moist soil, as this conflicts with the Oriental poppy’s well-drained needs.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation involves ensuring reliable moisture without saturation as the foliage emerges and stalks begin to climb toward their 2 to 2.5-foot height. Avoid heavy fertilization at this stage; a light side-dressing with aged compost is usually sufficient for this moderately feeding perennial. Summer care pivots entirely to watching for the foliage die-back after blooming concludes in July.
Once the leaves yellow completely, use this time to execute strategic pruning. Cut back the spent flower stalks and any remaining foliage close to the emerging basal leaves or the ground. This action helps prevent moisture from settling near the crown during high summer humidity, mitigating fungal risks.
As fall approaches, the plant’s focus shifts to re-establishing its basal mat of grayish-green leaves. This foliage will persist through mild winters, aiding in site identification for spring cleanup. Mulch applied lightly in late fall helps insulate the crown before the hardest freezes, safeguarding this cold-weather performer.
