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POPPIES
Like the skirts of flamenco dancers or ballerinas,
the satiny petals of crushed silk dazzle the
senses. In 1932, garden writer Henry J. Moore
wrote “They occur in colours which baffle
description, comprising such delicate shades
as apricot and salmon, and among pinks such
as rose, blush and flesh and through to the
most brilliant of crimsons.” Used for centuries
for beauty, magic and medicine, these easy to
grow annuals are loved by young and old.
Poppies are tap-rooted and do not take well to
transplanting, so sow the seeds in flowering
position in early spring or fall, thin and deadhead
to keep flowers coming. Dried seed pods
are excellent in bouquets. Though the ripe seeds
of the somniferum (incl. paeoniflorum) are edible
for poppy seed cakes and breads, please
note that the plant's sap is toxic. Poor soil O.K.
PERENNIAL POPPY Beauty
of Livermere Papavar orientale
Originally from northern Iran and north-east turkey, this perennial
poppy will make a worthwhile addition to your gardens. The 20 cm flowers
are a glowing crimson-scarlet and will bloom from late spring to mid-summer.
For best results direct seed or start indoors in peat pots so that
they can be set out without disturbing their root system.
$3.00
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