Perennial Poppy ‘Checkers - Papaver Orientale

Why I grow it
Oriental poppies are gloriously unsubtle plants. ‘Checkers’ produces large white flowers with dramatic dark markings at the base of the petals, held above clumps of textured foliage.

I like them because they provide a proper burst of interest without requiring much ongoing fuss — and because sometimes the garden needs something that isn't trying to be tasteful and restrained.

At a glance
Type: Flowering perennial
Botanical name: Papaver orientale
Variety: Checkers
Growth: Clump-forming with upright flower stems
Flowers: Large white flowers with dark basal markings
Flowering: Late spring into early summer
Inventory: 5 plants

In the garden
Plant amongst other perennials where the flowers can rise above surrounding plants. Oriental poppies naturally die back after flowering, so I like growing them amongst plants that will expand into the space afterwards rather than leaving an obvious poppy-shaped hole.

Once established they can return year after year, gradually forming a larger clump.

Care
Full sun and well-drained soil. Water while establishing, but avoid permanently wet ground. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally before tidying it away.

What you’ll receive
One established Papaver orientale ‘Checkers’ plant.

Plants naturally vary in size and shape and may be supplied in reused nursery pots or growing bags — perfectly useful plastic doesn't need replacing simply because it doesn't match.