When you talk about the poppy, many people think of the corn poppy at the edge of the field. However, there are several species that are ideal for the home flower garden. Choose between annual and perennial varieties and different flower colors.
Which types of poppies are suitable for the garden?
There are various types of poppies for the garden, including the perennial Turkish poppy with flowers up to 10 cm in size, the robust annual or perennial Icelandic poppy, the annual corn poppy, the perennial white Alpine poppy and the annual peony poppy with large, double flowers.
What types of poppies are there?
The Icelandic poppy is considered particularly robust and, with its flowers up to 15 cm in size, is also very suitable for cooler regions. There are different forms of cultivation, both annual and perennial. The flower color varies from white to yellow to bright orange-red. The peony poppy fascinates with very large but double flowers. These flowers are reminiscent of peonies, which also gave it its name.
The perennial Turkish poppy is also a popular garden plant with its flowers up to 10 cm in size. Here you can choose between the colors white, yellow, salmon, orange or fire red. In addition to all the cultivated forms, you can of course also plant corn poppies in your garden. It feels comfortable in a dry location and reproduces independently through self-sowing.
Making the right choice
Before you choose a specific poppy variety, find out about the needs of the different types. The Turkish poppy likes to be warm and dry, while the Icelandic poppy prefers cooler temperatures. The size of the plants also plays an important role in the selection. With a height of around 20 cm, the Alpine poppy requires completely different space and neighbors than the tall Turkish poppy.
Since the individual poppy plants only bloom for a few days, they should not necessarily be grown alone. Only in a group does their beauty come into its own. Combining it with other perennials is also recommended. This means there are no unsightly gaps when the poppies have finished blooming.
The most beautiful types of poppies:
- Turkish poppy: perennial, up to 10 cm large flowers, various colors
- Iceland poppy: annual or perennial, very robust, flowers up to 15 cm in diameter
- Common poppy: annual wild form with red flowers
- white alpine poppy: perennial, exotic-looking white flowers
- Peony poppy: annual, huge double, lush ruffled flowers
Tips & Tricks
Plant poppies in groups, possibly with other plants. Then there will be no unsightly gaps in the flowerbed after the relatively short flowering period.
