Papaver orientale 'Beauty of Livermere', Oriental Poppy

Stunning & huge blood-red papery flowers float atop slender 3-foot stems. The bright red petals contrast beautifully with velvet-black and purple centers. Come into bloom here simultaneously with Allium 'Globemaster' and Asphodeline lutea for a memorable vignette. Use a companion plant to screen as they go summer dormant. 

Mature size: 3 ft tall x 2 ft wide, 4-8 inch blooms

Minimum temperature: -40° F

**This can be a challenging plant to get established but is worth the effort. It's a plant for persistent gardeners who realize plants can die for no apparent reason. Once established, however, they're low-maintenance and reliable staples that last for years. 

Transplant very carefully, do not massage the roots, and gently place the undisturbed rootball in a predug hole. Shallow planting or too wet of soil is often the cause of failure. Fall or early spring planting is advised as they will go summer dormant.