Spring Fever Red® Papaver Plant

There is nothing lovelier than an elegant red poppy, swaying in the breeze, surrounded by colorful friends, and the Spring Fever Red Papaver delivers on this front. Appearing in a bright red burst that stands in wonderful contrast to its sunny yellow center - with papery petals, it's subtly fragrant and perfect in a rock garden, front or mid border or in containers. These also make excellent cut flowers so be sure to bring the drama indoors! Papaver is an excellent source of nectar for bees and wild birds eat the seeds once the flower heads dry down. Deer and rabbit tend to overlook them while browsing.

Our Papaver (Poppy) Plants are grown with care, completely free from harmful pesticides, ensuring they are a safe and stunning addition to your garden. Guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to thrive!

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall for optimal root development
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature growth

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• - Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soil as long as drainage is good

Watering Specifics:

• - Water thoroughly when first planted, allowing the soil to dry between waterings
• - Once established, Poppies are drought-tolerant and thrive with minimal watering

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring for best blooms
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering

Pruning and Training:

• - Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering
• - Cut back after blooming to tidy the plant and encourage new growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Papaver is generally pest-free, though monitor for aphids in early growth stages
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from late spring through early summer with large, crinkled petals in bold shades of red, orange, pink, and white

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, tolerates both heat and cold once established

Companion Plants for Papaver:

• - Lavender: Complements Poppy's vibrant blooms with its soft purple tones and drought tolerance
• - Echinacea: Adds height and vibrant colors that blend beautifully with Papaver's bold flowers
• - Coreopsis: Offers a bright, continuous display of yellow flowers that contrast well with Poppies
• - Achillea: Complements Papaver with its delicate flower clusters and pollinator appeal
• - Salvia: Provides vertical spikes of blue or purple flowers that contrast beautifully with Poppy's bold hues