When you think of poppies, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the classic deep red blooms with its black centers, but did you know that poppies come in many more colors such as pink, yellow, white, purple, and even blue?
These charming flowers are more diverse than you might imagine. Whether you love bold, vibrant colors or soft, pastel hues, theres a poppy for every gardener! Plus, they’re suprisingly easy to grow, making them a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned green thumbs.
In this article, we’ll explore 23 of some of the prettiest poppy varieties that you can grow. Let’s dive in and find the perfect poppy for you!
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- 1. 'Queen Alexandra'
- 2. 'Armenian Poppy'
- 3. 'Mother of Pearl'
- 4. 'Patty's Plum'
- 5. 'Falling in Love'
- 6. 'Ruffled Patty'
- 7. 'Danish Flag'
- 8. 'Shirley Double'
- 9. 'Welsh Poppy'
- 10. 'Ladybird'
- 11. 'Himalayan Blue Poppy'
- 12. 'Prince of Orange'
- 13. 'Princess Victoria Louise'
- 14. 'Turkenlouis'
- 15. 'Pacino'
- 16. 'Flanders Poppy'
- 17. 'Royal Wedding'
- 18. 'California Poppy'
- 19. 'Fireball'
- 20. 'Pink Peony'
- 21. 'Helen Elizabeth'
- 22. 'Hungarian Blue'
- 23. 'Pink Ruffles'
- FAQ
1. ‘Queen Alexandra’
With its large, rounded pastel pink flowers, this poppy will add a touch of vintage charm to your garden. Each petal is adorned with dark blotches at the base, creating a gorgeous contrast that draws the eye. Perfect for those who love unique dramatic flowers!
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Queen Alexandra |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Peach, pink |
| Hardiness zones | 3-7 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile soil |
Important
Most poppies are mildly toxic to humans and pets if consumed, as they contain alkaloids that can cause stomach upset or more serious issues in large amounts. However, the seeds of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) are safe to eat and are commonly used in baking. It’s best to keep pets and children from chewing on any part of the plant, as toxicity levels can vary between species.
2. ‘Armenian Poppy’
The Armenian poppy is a delicate annual flower. Its crinkled blooms are of a lovely apricot color. This poppy is frost-hardy and thrives in all types of soil, making it a dependable choice for gardeners who want an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-care-for poppy. Since it doesn’t grow too tall either, it’s perfect for containers and balcony gardens.
| Botanical name | Papaver triniifolium |
| Common name | Armenian Poppy |
| Mature plant height | 16 inches (40cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Early spring, late summer |
| Flower color | Apricot, pale orange |
| Hardiness zones | 3-11 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Loamy, clay, well-draining soil |
3. ‘Mother of Pearl’
The Mother of Pearl poppy is a delicate flower that’ll bring an ethereal charm to your garden. This variety has both single and double blooms, with paper-like petals that seem to float in the breeze. Their pale, smoky hues range from soft pinks and lavenders to silvery whites. With contrasting dark centers that add depth to their appearance, these poppies are truly mesmerizing.
‘Mother of Pearl’ poppies also self-seed easily, making them an effortless addition to your garden, where they can return year after year with minimal fuss.
| Botanical name | Papaver rhoeas |
| Common name | Mother of Pearl |
| Mature plant height | 2ft (60cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Summer, Early autumn |
| Flower color | Gray, lilac, mauve, pink, soft orange, and white |
| Hardiness zones | 3-10 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Chalky, alkaline, moist, well-draining soil |
4. ‘Patty’s Plum’
Patty’s Plum is an excellent choice if you’re someone who loves deep, bold colors. This variety features wine-purple blooms with a tissue-like texture. Its stems rise gracefully above a mound of soft, gray-green foliage. Blooming from late spring into early summer, it’s a standout poppy that would pair beautifully with lighter-toned flowers.
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Patty’s Plum |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Purple, magenta |
| Hardiness zones | 5-9 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Chalky, loamy, well-draining soil |
5. ‘Falling in Love’
The Falling in Love poppy is just gorgeous with its glowing jewel tones of coral, blush, and salmon. The flowers range from semi-double to fully double, creating a lovely mix of soft picotees and bi-colors. This poppy self-sows easily, bringing back its charming flowers year after year with little effort. Perfect for gardeners who love soft colors.
| Botanical name | Papaver rhoeas |
| Common name | Falling in Love |
| Mature plant height | 18-30 inches (60cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Spring, summer |
| Flower color | White, pink, coral, bicolor |
| Hardiness zones | 5-9 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Moist, well-draining soil |
6. ‘Ruffled Patty’
The stunning Ruffled Patty has large double-ruffled blooms in a lovely soft plum-pink color. From May through July, it showcases a vibrant display of satin-like, deeply fringed petals. The blooms are not just a treat for the garden but also make excellent cut flowers!
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Ruffled Patty |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Pink, mauve, lilac |
| Hardiness zones | 3-8 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Loamy, fertile, well-draining soil |
7. ‘Danish Flag’
The Danish Flag poppy is an eye-catching annual with vivid scarlet blooms that resemble Denmark’s national flag. Its large, fringed, and feathered petals have a unique look, which will definitely stand out in your garden.
Blooming for weeks in summer, this variety pairs beautifully with its silver green leaves. This poppy is easy to grow and is perfect for garden borders or wildflower patches.
| Botanical name | Papaver somniferum |
| Common name | Danish Flag |
| Mature plant height | 2-3ft (90cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Summer |
| Flower color | Bicolor (red, white) |
| Hardiness zones | 3-8 |
| Sunlight | Full sun/partial shade |
| Soil | Loose, well-draining soil |
8. ‘Shirley Double’
The Shirley Double poppy is known for its diverse range of colors, including soft pinks, whites, and reds. Its double flowers have round, ruffled petals. This poppy is also known for its ability to self-sows easily, and makes amazing cut flowers for your floral arrangements.
| Botanical name | Papaver rhoeas |
| Common name | Shirley Double |
| Mature plant height | 2-3ft (90cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Summer, early autumn |
| Flower color | Pink, red, white, salmon |
| Hardiness zones | 4-12 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Chalky, loamy, well-draining soil |
9. ‘Welsh Poppy’
The Welsh Poppy is a cheerful and easy-to-grow flower that brings a splash of sunshine to damp and shady spots in the garden. This poppy blooms from June to August with flowers in vibrant shades of lemon-yellow or orange. Its short and bushy habit and light green foliage make it perfect for cottage or woodland-style gardens.
Best of all, the ‘Welsh Poppy’ self-seeds, creating a carpet of bright blooms year after year. It’s an easy way to add color and life to those trickier, shaded areas.
| Botanical name | Papaver cambricum |
| Common name | Welsh Poppy |
| Mature plant height | 18 inches (45cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Summer |
| Flower color | Yellow, orange |
| Hardiness zones | 3-11 |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Soil | Moist, loamy, well-draining soil |
10. ‘Ladybird’
The Ladybird poppy has bright red petals with big black spots resembling ladybugs. These bowl-shaped blooms grow on long, hairy stems and are perfect for containers, raised beds, or borders. Bees love these poppies, so they’re great for supporting pollinators.
Ladybird poppies have ornamental seed pods and their blooms work well as cut flowers.
| Botanical name | Papaver commutatum |
| Common name | Ladybird |
| Mature plant height | 12-18 inches (45cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Late spring, summer |
| Flower color | Red |
| Hardiness zones | 3-10 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Chalky, alkaline, well-draining soil |
11. ‘Himalayan Blue Poppy’
The Himalayan Blue Poppy is a stunning flower that’ll feel like a little piece of magic in your garden. Native to the alpine regions of the Himalayas, this beauty features large vivid blue blooms with yellow centers. While they’re often called poppies due to their resemblance, they actually belong to the Meconopsis family.
These rare blue flowers are a challenge to grow, as they thrive in cool, evenly moist, and shaded conditions much—like their mountain home. Though not suited for every gardener, their ethereal color makes them a prized treasure for those willing to create the right environment.
| Botanical name | Meconopsis Lingholm |
| Common name | Himalayan Blue Poppy |
| Mature plant height | 3ft (1m) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Blue, purple, white |
| Hardiness zones | 5-8 |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Soil | Moist, sligthtly acidic, well-draining soil |
12. ‘Prince of Orange’
With its large, bright tangerine petals, the Prince of Orange poppy is a real showstopper. The flowers are supported by strong stems, paired with silvery-green leaves, creating a stunning contrast. These poppies will brighten up any garden and attract plenty of pollinators as well!
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Prince of Orange |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Orange |
| Hardiness zones | 3-7 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Rich, loamy well-draining soil |
13. ‘Princess Victoria Louise’
The Princess Victoria Louise poppy is a great addition to achieve a cottage garden vibe. This variety produces large blooms in a soft salmon pink color with dark purple centers. They are easy to grow and resistant to deer and rabbits!
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Princess Victoria Louise |
| Mature plant height | 35 inches (80cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Salmon pink |
| Hardiness zones | 3-8 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Chalky, loamy well-draining soil |
14. ‘Turkenlouis’
The Turkenlouis poppy features large, fringed blooms in a fiery red-orange hue. The smoky green leaves beautifully complement the bright flowers. This poppy is perfect for you if you want to add a splash of bold color to your garden.
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Turkenlouis |
| Mature plant height | 30-35 inches (90cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Red-orange |
| Hardiness zones | 3-7 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, rich, well-draining soil |
15. ‘Pacino’
The Pacino poppy is a delightful little gem for gardeners, especially those in cooler regions. This hardy flower may have a short bloom time, but it more than makes up for it with its adorable lemon-yellow blooms. Its short stems make it a lovely choice for containers, rock gardens, and flower beds.
| Botanical name | Papaver nudicaule |
| Common name | Pacino, Arctic Poppy |
| Mature plant height | 1ft (30cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Summer |
| Flower color | Pale-yellow |
| Hardiness zones | 2-8 |
| Sunlight | Full sun/partial shade |
| Soil | Moist, well-draining soil |
16. ‘Flanders Poppy’
The Flanders Poppy also known as the ‘Common Poppy’, is a vibrant and symbolic flower. Its iconic bright red blooms, with rounded, overlapping petals, sway gracefully on long, thin stems. While red is its most recognized color, this poppy can also surprise with pink or white flowers.
Rich in history, the ‘Flanders Poppy’ became a symbol of remembrance after World War Ⅰ, when fields disturbed by battle burst into bloom with these resilient flowers.
| Botanical name | Papaver rhoeas |
| Common name | Common Poppy, Flanders Poppy, Field Poppy |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Late spring, summer |
| Flower color | Red, pink, white |
| Hardiness zones | 2-9 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Moist, well-draining soil |
17. ‘Royal Wedding’
The Royal Wedding poppy is a real gem for your garden! With its large cup-shaped flowers, it brings a touch of elegance to wherever it blooms. The soft white petals with a dark center, create a gorgeous contrast. These beautiful flowers sit atop tall stems surrounded by lovely gray-green leaves.
Royal Wedding poppies attract lots of bees and butterflies, making them a fantastic choice for creating a pollinator-friendly space.
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Royal Wedding |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | White |
| Hardiness zones | 3-7 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, loamy, well-draining soil |
18. ‘California Poppy’
The California Poppy is known for its signature orange blooms with cup-shaped petals that sometimes stay closed in cloudy weather. This poppy self-seeds freely. It’s a tough little flower that thrives in a variety of soil types. The California Poppy also comes in other shades, like yellow, white, and red.
| Botanical name | Eschscholzia californica |
| Common name | California Poppy, Golden Poppy |
| Mature plant height | 1-2ft (60cm) |
| Plant type | Annual/perennial (in milder climates) |
| Bloom time | Summer, spring |
| Flower color | Orange, yellow, white, red |
| Hardiness zones | 6-10 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Sandy, loamy, well-draining soil |
19. ‘Fireball’
The Fireball poppy is perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden! It has big double blooms in a fiery orange shade, with frilly petals that give it a full, fluffy look. The gray-green leaves make the bright flowers stand out even more. This poppy is easy to grow and loves sunny spots in the garden.
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Fireball |
| Mature plant height | 1ft (30cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Orange, red |
| Hardiness zones | 3-9 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, rich, well-draining soil |
20. ‘Pink Peony’
The Pink Peony poppy features large flower heads filled with crumpled pink petals that resemble a peony. Strong stems support the impressive blooms, while silvery leaves provide an elegant contrast. Once the flowers have faded, they leave behind beautiful gray seedpods. This poppy is easy to grow and is perfect for cottage gardens.
| Botanical name | Papaver somniferum |
| Common name | Pink Peony |
| Mature plant height | 3-4ft (1.2m) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Summer |
| Flower color | Pink |
| Hardiness zones | 3-8 |
| Sunlight | Full sun/partial sun |
| Soil | Fertile, loamy, well-draining soil |
21. ‘Helen Elizabeth’
The Helen Elizabeth poppy has large ruffled, salmon pink flower with no black spots at its base. This poppy is great for growing in containers and makes for gorgeous cut flowers as well!
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Helen Elizabeth |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early summer |
| Flower color | Salmon pink |
| Hardiness zones | 3-9 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, rich, well-draining soil |
22. ‘Hungarian Blue’
The Hungarian Blue poppy is a stunning heirloom flower with deep purple-blue blooms that truly stand out. These flowers are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. After blooming, they develop decorative pods that are not only beautiful but also filled with tasty seeds, perfect for baking! This variety is easy to grow and reseeds itself.
| Botanical name | Papaver somniferum |
| Common name | Hungarian Blue |
| Mature plant height | 2-3ft (90cm) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Bloom time | Summer |
| Flower color | Purple |
| Hardiness zones | 3-8 |
| Sunlight | Full sun/partial shade |
| Soil | Moist, well-draining soil |
23. ‘Pink Ruffles’
Last but not least, we have the Pink Ruffles poppy, which has lovely salmon pink flowers with ruffled edges. Its strong, bristly stems and dark green leaves make it stand out. This flower is a hardy perennial that has earned its popularity for good reason. It’s not just gorgeous, it’s tough too! Deer, rabbits, and most insects tend to avoid it.
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale |
| Common name | Pink Ruffles |
| Mature plant height | 30 inches (75cm) |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Bloom time | Late spring, early spring |
| Flower color | Salmon pink, peach |
| Hardiness zones | 3-7 |
| Sunlight | Full sun/partial shade |
| Soil | Loamy, sandy, well-draining soil |
FAQ
Do deer eat poppies?
Poppies are generally deer-resistant, though they might nibble on them if food is scarce.
Are poppies invasive?
Most poppies are not invasive, but they can self-seed and spread, so it’s best to manage them to avoid unwanted spreading.
Are poppies cut and come again?
Poppies aren’t ‘Cut and come again’ flowers. Once they bloom and the petals fall, they don’t usually produce more flowers from the same stem.
What are the easiest poppies to grow?
The California poppy and Oriental poppy varieties are amongst the easiest to grow, as they are hardy and tolerate various soil types.
Are poppies pet safe?
Poppies are not safe for pets. All parts of the plant, including the seeds, flowers, and leaves, contain alkaloids that can be toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals if ingested.
Can poppies be grown in pots and containers?
Yes, you can grow poppies in pots and containers! Make sure the container is large enough for the roots and has good drainage.
