Papaver orientale Princess Victoria Louise at Digging Dog Nursery |

Papaver orientale
‘Princess Victoria Louise’
at Digging Dog

Poppy

Wielded by man since prehistoric times, Poppies have long been associated with sleep and oblivion, and after the First World War, the Flower of Forgetfulness ironically evolved into a symbol for remembrance. Generally distinguished by nodding buds, solitary fleeting flowers gracing long stems, and decorative seed heads, these sun-lovers appreciate a lean, well drained and somewhat dry position.

Papaver orientale ‘Princess Victoria Louise’

With a lineage that takes you back to Armenia and the 17th century, this “princess” flaunts magnificent ample-sized flowers. Crumpled, tissue paper-thin petals in pretty salmon-pink colors are shaded by pronounced black blotches at their bases. A handsome blue-green clump of hairy, deeply cut foliage and long, somewhat relaxed stems present the dazzling display, while big fuzzy buds and knobby seed heads add intrigue.

Conveying a decidedly feminine aspect for the herbaceous border, ‘Princess Victoria Louise’ thrives in rich soil, requires a trim after blooming and seared stem ends to ensure long lasting cut flowers.

Blooms June.