Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum flower (03/06/2011, London)

Position:  Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Mid summer

Eventual Height: 75cm

Eventual Spread:  30cm

Hardiness: N/A

Family: Papaveraceae

Papaver somniferum is an annual plant with an upright habit. Its foliage is oblong, lobed and light greyish-green. It has large, dioecious, single, terminal flowers that can be up to 10cm across. The inflorescence varies widely across the species including red, white, purple and pink.

Papaver somniferum also known as the Seed Poppy or the Opium Poppy, and has been cultivated for such a long time it is impossible to know its original native range. It is still widely cultivated today in a wide range of climates; from wet temperate climes such as England to much dryer and hotter ones such as those in the middle east. Grown both for its medicinal properties, as it is the primary source of highly useful drugs such as morphine and codeine, and its  culinary uses; it is widely used in many bread and pastry recipes, particularly in the Czech Republic. In most temperate climates it is usually grown for its ornamental properties; within the species there is much variation in both colour and form of the inflorescence.

The etymological root of the binomial name Papaver was the ancient Latin name of this plant. Somniferum is derived from the Latin somnus meaning ‘sleep’ and fero meaning ‘to bear’, referring to the narcotic properties of its latex.

Papaver somniferum (03/06/2011, London)

Papaver somniferum may be useful to the landscape architect as an effective, fast growing and colourful annual. It will readily go to seed, therefore the removal of excessive seedlings in spring may be necessary.

Ecologically, Papaver somniferum will attract many pollinating insects including butterflies and bees.

Papaver somniferum will tolerate most soil conditions; it will be happy in neutral or alkaline pH levels, or in loam, sand, clay or chalk based soils in a sheltered or exposed location facing any aspect.

Papaver somniferum requires no maintenance. The removal of excessive seedlings in spring may be necessary.