Papaver 'Central Park' Poppy Bulb

Papaver 'Central Park' Poppy, a herbaceous perennial plant that graces your garden with its captivating blooms from late spring to summer and extends its season of interest with the attractive black seedpods that follow. This long-lived plant showcases large, 5- to 6-inch flowers, adorned with a velvety-black seed capsule, surrounded by purple stamens and silky, heavily ruffled petals drenched in a lovely lavender-purple shade. Each flower is marked at the base with a dark purple hue, adding to its visual appeal.

As a cultivar of Papaver orientale, also known as the oriental poppy, 'Central Park' features a clumping, spreading habit of hairy, thistle-like grey-green leaves, giving the plant a light, airy aspect. These poppies make stunning standalone specimens or container plants, but truly shine when grouped or massed in mixed beds and borders.

Oriental poppies thrive in full sun and organically rich, fertile, medium moist, well-draining soil. They are not tolerant of drought or overly wet, poorly drained soils. These cold-hardy plants prefer cool summer climates and may require some light afternoon shade in regions with hot summer climates. Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages continuous blooming. These flowers freely self-seed in suitable conditions, returning year after year, although new plants may vary. They are also deer resistant, making them a practical addition to your garden.