Oriental poppy
Papaver orientale
Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 9.0/10.
On the CSFS firewise listhigh water24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wideZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: no rights reserved
- Photo 2: (c) Alexandr Stanislavschi, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Robert M Hallock, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (unknown), Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 6: Ermell, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- orange, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Oriental poppy good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Oriental poppy is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Oriental poppy get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Oriental poppy?
- Space Oriental poppy about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Oriental poppy hardy on the Front Range?
- Oriental poppy is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Oriental poppy need?
- It needs high water once established.
- Is Oriental poppy native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Oriental poppy deer-resistant?
- Oriental poppy is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Oriental poppy a good firewise plant near the house?
- Oriental poppy is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Oriental poppy bloom?
- Oriental poppy blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
