Papaver Orientale 'Brilliant'

Oriental Poppy

‘Brilliant’ is an herbaceous perennial Oriental poppy with bold, scarlet-orange to fiery red, crepe-paper-like flowers and dark purple-black basal blotches at the center. The large saucer-shaped blooms rise on tall, bristly stems above finely divided, silvery-green foliage in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the foliage often goes summer dormant, leaving an open space that is best filled with later-emerging perennials or ornamental grasses.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 18–24 in. wide × 24–36 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–7b; may struggle in hot, humid climates
Form: Upright clump with tall flowering stems
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; average water, drought tolerant once established; avoid wet soil, especially during summer dormancy
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; usually a short but dramatic bloom period of about 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bee friendly; attracts butterflies; generally deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for perennial borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, pollinator plantings, rock gardens, and bold spring color displays. The intense red-orange blooms create a strong focal point and pair well with salvia, catmint, iris, alliums, baptisia, ornamental grasses, and other plants that can hide the poppy’s summer-dormant foliage.

Care:
Plant in a sunny, well-drained location and avoid moving once established, because Oriental poppies have deep taproots and dislike transplanting. Remove spent flowers after bloom if seed is not wanted. Allow foliage to yellow naturally before cutting it back. Do not overwater during summer dormancy. Divide or propagate only when necessary, preferably during dormancy.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-36''

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Brown

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Average, Well Drained

Landscape use

Mass Planting, Specimen

Shape

Clump, Upright

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes