Opium Poppy 'Black Paeony'

'Black Paeony' is a dramatic and opulent annual poppy, producing large, deeply ruffled, double flowers in a shade of dark maroon that is so deep it appears almost black. The glaucous, blue-grey foliage provides a stunning contrast to the dark blooms. This plant is a favourite in UK cottage gardens for its architectural presence and "wow" factor. After the petals fall, the plant leaves behind large, attractive pepper-pot seed heads which can be left for winter interest or dried. It typically grows to about 90cm tall. As a hardy annual, it is best sown directly into the soil where it is to flower, ideally in late summer or early spring. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. While each individual flower is relatively short-lived, a group of plants will provide a succession of blooms over several weeks. It self-seeds freely.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.