The Queen Alexandra Poppy (Papaver somniferum ‘Queen Alexandra’) is a stunning, ornamental poppy known for its large, ruffled flowers and vibrant colors. It’s a striking variety of the opium poppy and is widely admired for its bold beauty and dramatic appearance in gardens. Here are some key details about it:
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Appearance:
- Flowers: The flowers of the Queen Alexandra Poppy are large and stunning, with delicate petals in a mix of shades, often a combination of pale peachy-pink with deeper orange tones near the center. The blooms typically have a darker, almost black center with black stamens, which provides a striking contrast against the lighter petals.
- Size: Each flower can grow up to 6 inches across, making it quite showy in any garden. The plant itself usually grows around 2 to 4 feet tall and about 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Queen Alexandra Poppies thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they do best in full sun, some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates to prevent the blooms from wilting.
- Soil: These poppies prefer well-drained, fertile soil. While they are relatively hardy, they do best in slightly alkaline or neutral soil that isn’t overly moist.
- Watering: They prefer moderate watering. While they do like a moist environment, they don’t tolerate waterlogged soil, so make sure there is good drainage.
Blooming:
- The Queen Alexandra Poppy blooms in late spring to early summer, generally around May or June, and continues flowering for several weeks. The blooms are short-lived but make a dramatic impact while they last. The plant also has attractive gray-green foliage that adds texture even when the flowers are not in bloom.
Care and Maintenance:
- Deadheading: After the flowers have faded, it’s a good idea to remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers and maintain the plant’s tidy appearance.
- Pruning: You can cut back the plant after flowering to help maintain its shape and encourage stronger growth next season.
Uses:
- Ornamental: The Queen Alexandra Poppy is primarily grown for its beauty, making it an excellent choice for adding color and drama to flower beds, borders, and wildflower gardens.
- Cut Flowers: Due to their large, showy flowers, they also make fantastic additions to floral arrangements.
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