Fruit Punch Oriental Poppy

Size

Fruit Punch Oriental Poppies add the best kind of drama to a space. Large, showy flowers in a range of jewel tones make the Papaver orientale 'Fruit Punch' an easy focal point. Delicate, tissue paper-like petals come in red, pink, orange, and purple shades and surround bold black centers. The flowers measure up to 5 inches wide, putting on an impressive display from late spring through early summer. Poppy plants have an upright growth habit. Dark green foliage gives the plants a full appearance. Feature this beauty in borders, mixed beds, or mass plantings. Fruit Punch Oriental Poppies are deer and rabbit resistant, so they are a good pick in areas prone to animal damage. Grow the Fruit Punch Oriental Poppy in zones 3 through 8. Fruit Punch Oriental Poppy Care Plant this perennial in full to partial sun, although plants grow best in increased light. It prefers rich, well-drained soil. Water weekly as necessary. Fertilize plants grown in poor-quality soil. Advanced gardeners may want to test the soil to identify specific nutrient deficiencies. Trim growth to ground level in the fall. Dead growth is prone to fungal diseases, and removing everything in the fall will protect the new spring growth. Fruit Punch Oriental Poppy Spacing Fruit Punch Oriental Poppy plants reach 24 to 30 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide. Leave about 15 inches between plants when creating a densely planted bed.