Poppy (Papaver) - Care Tips

Poppy or poppy (Papaver) is a genus of flower plants. A well-known species is the sleeping bulb (Papaver somniferum), from which poppy seeds and opium are extracted. This species is also used as an ornamental plant.

Symbolism

The poppy, also called poppy, is a symbol of comfort, but also of commemoration of the dead. The poppy owes this symbolism to the battlefields in northern France that turned red from the poppies after the First World War.

The characteristic color of the poppy is red. A black part is visible at the base of the petals. The four leaves of the flower are larger than we are used to from flowers, so that they largely overlap. The flower has hairs on both the stems and leaves.

What many people do not know is that all parts of the poppy, including the milky juice, are toxic to humans and animals.

There are different types of poppies:

The large common poppy (Papaver Rhoeas) is an annual flower and the most famous of the species. It is characterized by its bright red color and overlapping leaves.

The rough or wild poppy, also called Papaver Argemone, looks a lot like the papaver rhoeas because of its red color. Where the common poppy can grow to a height of 80 cm, this plant is between 20 and 40 cm.

The bulb poppy or sleeping bulb is also called Papaver Somniferum. In contrast to the normal poppy, this plant has many more leaves and is available in various colors including red, pink and white.

The oriental or giant poppy (Papaver Orientale) is available as an annual and perennial. The flower owes its name to its oriental appearance and color. Characteristic of this poppy are the petals that look like crepe paper because of the light creases.

The pale poppy is also known as the budium poppy. This flower gets its name from the fact that it is smaller and more orange in color than the common poppy.

The hybrid poppy, also called Papaver Hybridum, is a rare plant in the Netherlands and is mainly found in Southern Europe. If this plant grows in the Netherlands, you will mainly see it on roadsides or fallow pieces of land.