Papaver orientale ‘May Queen’

A spectacular early-flowering variety, Papaver orientale ‘May Queen’ is renowned for its large, double blooms of vibrant scarlet-orange. The crinkled, crepe-paper petals are heavily ruffled, giving the flower a full, pom-pom appearance that sits atop sturdy, bristly stems. As one of the first Oriental Poppies to bloom, it provides a bold splash of colour from May onwards, often featuring a striking dark purple to black basal blotch at the centre.

Perfect for adding drama to a cottage garden border, this hardy herbaceous perennial forms a low clump of deeply divided, grey-green foliage which provides interest before the flowers emerge. The foliage tends to die back after flowering, allowing space for late-summer perennials to take centre stage.

May-July flowering. Best in a sunny position in most well-drained garden soils. 80cm x 60cm (32″ x 24″).