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Description
Papaver Rhoeas, commonly known as the red poppy or corn poppy, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its showy flowers. The plant typically grows to a height of 60 cm and has a spread of 30 cm. The stem is erect and hairy, and the leaves are lobed and pinnate. The flowers are large and bright red, with a black spot at the base of each petal. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces a capsule-like fruit that contains numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Papaver |
Appearance
Papaver Rhoeas has striking, large, bright red flowers that are tinged with black at the base of each petal. The flowers are 5–10 cm in diameter and have a prominent black stigma in the center. The stem is hairy and has a grayish-green color. The leaves are lobed and pinnate, with a bluish-green color. The plant grows to a height of 60 cm and has a spread of 30 cm. It blooms from late spring to early summer and produces a capsule-like fruit that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Papaver Rhoeas is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to grow this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Papaver Rhoeas can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Papaver Rhoeas is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the flowers to turn brown and rot.
- Root rot: This disease can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Papaver Rhoeas is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is an annual and typically blooms from late spring to early summer.
Question and Answer
Q. Is Papaver Rhoeas an annual or perennial plant?
A. Papaver Rhoeas is an annual plant.
Q. What is the ideal soil type for growing Papaver Rhoeas?
A. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Q. What is the ideal growing condition for Papaver Rhoeas?
A. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Q. How do I propagate Papaver Rhoeas?
A. Papaver Rhoeas can be propagated by sowing seeds in the spring or fall. The seeds should be planted 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart. The plant can also self-seed if the flowers are allowed to go to seed.
Related Plants
- Papaver somniferum
- Papaver orientale
- Papaver nudicaule
- Papaver alpinum
References
- “Papaver rhoeas.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c876. Accessed 24 June 2021.
- “Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy).” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/papaver-rhoeas-common-poppy. Accessed 24 June 2021.
- “Poppy.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/poppy/details. Accessed 24 June 2021.
