This is the largest poppy of them all reaching over a metre tall while needing no support. It produces very large, frilled, scarlet flowers as large as a mans hand, with prominent black blotches in the central area. There are a few new cultivars that come in different colours too.
This spectacular poppy is closely related to Oriental Poppies and is a parent of some of the best Oriental Poppy hybrids.
The flowers attract bees, birds and butterflies.
Cut the stems in the morning as flower petals unfold, then sear the stem end with flame to ensure they stay at the best longest.
It is a long-lived plant in cold winter climates and can thrive for decades.