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Description
Papaver Orientale Khedive, commonly known as Oriental poppy, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. This plant is native to the Caucasus region and Iran but has been widely grown in gardens around the world because of its striking beauty. It grows up to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide and has large, showy flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Papaver |
Appearance
The Papaver Orientale Khedive has large, showy flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers are usually bright red, but some cultivars have pink, orange, or white petals. The center of the flower is black and has a distinctive dark ring around it. The foliage is green and deeply lobed, and the stems are hairy and upright. This plant usually blooms in late spring or early summer and has a short flowering period of about two weeks.
Care Guide
The Papaver Orientale Khedive is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It also prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be planted in heavy clay soil.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Papaver Orientale Khedive is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues:
- Aphids: These small insects can feed on the sap of the plant and cause distortion of the leaves and flowers. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the leaves and flowers. Remove infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease can occur if the plant is planted in heavy or poorly drained soil. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Papaver Orientale Khedive is native to the Caucasus region and Iran but has been widely grown in gardens around the world. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight and can tolerate cold temperatures in the winter. This plant can be grown in borders, rock gardens, or as a specimen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Papaver Orientale Khedive?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Q: Is the Papaver Orientale Khedive resistant to pests and diseases?
A: This plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can still be affected by some common issues.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Papaver Orientale Khedive?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Q: Can I grow the Papaver Orientale Khedive in partial shade?
A: This plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Related Plants
- Papaver rhoeas
- Papaver somniferum
- Papaver nudicaule
References
- “Oriental Poppy (Papaver Orientale).” Gardenia. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/papaver-orientale-oriental-poppy.
- “Papaver Orientale.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a550.
- “Papaver Orientale ‘Khedive’.” Plant Finder. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1920/khedive-oriental-poppy/.
