How big does Oriental poppy grow?

About 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 45–60 cm.

What soil does Oriental poppy grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Is Oriental poppy hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Oriental poppy flower?

Flowering: May–July, red, orange, pink, white.

How much water does Oriental poppy need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Oriental poppy

Papaver orientale

Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €9.

Illustration of Oriental poppy — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

In early summer it carries huge, papery flowers in red, orange, pink or white, usually with a dark blotch at the base of each petal. After flowering the foliage yellows and disappears completely until a new rosette grows in autumn, so plant something beside it that spreads out in summer and hides the gap (baby's breath, catmint, asters, ornamental grasses). The deep taproot resents moving: give it a sunny, well-drained spot and leave it there.

Watch out for

It goes dormant in summer and leaves a bare patch for weeks. In wet, heavy soil, especially in winter, the taproot rots. Powdery mildew and botrytis can appear in humid weather. The stems may sprawl under the heavy flowers and can need support in windy spots. It resents transplanting: if you must move it, do it in late summer while dormant and keep the taproot intact.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, red, orange, pink, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 45–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, red, orange, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €9

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-50 cm	approx. €9

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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