Oriental Poppy Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Lighthouse'
ABOUT
The Oriental poppy 'Lighthouse' is a perennial plant that features a striking display of colorful flowers. Each bloom is an impressive, vibrant color, typically showcasing a rich red or orange hue that stands out in the garden. The center of the flower is often black or dark purple, creating a bold contrast that draws the eye. The petals of the 'Lighthouse' are large and silky, appearing delicate to the touch. They are crinkled, adding texture and depth to the flower. When in full bloom, the flowers provide a showy display that can become a focal point in any garden setting. The leaves of the Oriental poppy 'Lighthouse' are a lush green color and have a bristly texture. They form a clump at the base of the stem and can be quite dense. These leaves typically have a deeply lobed or toothed appearance, which adds to the overall texture of the plant. Stems of the poppy are strong and erect, allowing the large blooms to stand proudly above the foliage. The overall impression of the Oriental poppy 'Lighthouse' is one of a vibrant and textured plant that adds both color and dramatic flair to a garden space. Because of its striking flowers, the 'Lighthouse' is a popular choice among gardeners looking to make a bold statement with their plantings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Oriental Poppy, Perennial Poppy
Common names
Papaver orientale 'Lighthouse'.
ToxicityTo humans
Oriental poppy plants, which 'Lighthouse' is a part of, possess compounds that can be toxic if ingested. However, toxicity in humans is generally low, and it is unlikely to cause serious harm unless consumed in large amounts. If ingestion occurs, it may result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. Contact with the sap can sometimes cause skin irritation, so it's advisable to handle the plant with care.
To pets
Oriental poppies can be toxic to pets if ingested, though they are not typically considered highly poisonous. If a pet consumes parts of this plant, they might experience mild to moderate digestive upset, which could include symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, the consumption of poppies by pets would result in non-life-threatening symptoms, but it is still important to prevent pets from ingesting the plant and to consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Bright, colorful flowers enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care beyond occasional watering.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapted to survive with limited water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, which is beneficial for gardens in cooler climates.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Comes back year after year, offering a long-term planting solution.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides an eye-catching display in late spring to early summer when it blooms.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, which is helpful for gardeners in areas with deer populations.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The seeds of Oriental Poppy can be used as a flavoring agent in baked goods, imparting a slightly nutty taste.
- The vivid blooms of Oriental Poppy can be pressed and used in botanical art or to create natural dyes for crafts and textiles.
- Oriental Poppy petals serve as colorful garnishes for salads and desserts, though they are not commonly consumed.
- The large, decorative seed pods of Oriental Poppy can be dried and used in floral arrangements or as part of decorative wreaths.
- Gardeners might plant Oriental Poppies to create a visually appealing habitat that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to their garden.
- Oriental Poppy plant parts can be used in compost as a green waste to enrich the soil as they break down.
- The striking appearance of Oriental Poppies can be used for photography purposes, creating natural, vibrant backdrops in gardens and outdoor settings.
- The dried stalks of Oriental Poppies can be turned into creative stakes or supports for other plants in the garden.
- Oriental Poppy's deep roots can help with soil structure, preventing erosion in some garden setups.
- The fallen petals of Oriental Poppies can be used to create a natural, colorful mulch that decomposes over time.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oriental poppy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oriental poppy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sleep and Peace: The genus Papaver includes the poppy flower, which is often associated with sleep, rest, and peace due to its natural properties that have been used to induce sleep and soothe nerves.
- Remembrance: Poppies are a symbol of remembrance, especially for those who have died in war. This is particularly notable with the red poppy being used to commemorate fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day.
- Resilience: Poppies can grow in difficult conditions and are known to return year after year, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Beauty and Success: The vibrant and colorful blossoms of the poppy can also symbolize beauty and success, as they stand out with their bold hues.
WaterOriental poppies like 'Lighthouse' should be watered deeply but infrequently, as they are quite drought-tolerant once established. In general, aim to water these poppies about once a week, providing an inch of water each time, which translates to approximately 0.5 gallons for an average-sized plant, depending on soil type and climate. During particularly hot or dry periods, increase watering to every five days. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as Oriental poppies do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water.
LightOriental poppies like 'Lighthouse' flourish in full sunlight where they can receive at least six hours of direct light daily. They are best positioned in a spot that's sunny from morning to late afternoon, although they can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid areas that are shadowed for most of the day, as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureOriental poppies, including the 'Lighthouse' variety, thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit which are seen as their ideal growing conditions. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, making them good perennials for many temperate climates. These poppies can survive a maximum temperature up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged heat can cause them to go dormant until cooler temperatures return in fall.
PruningOriental poppies such as 'Lighthouse' benefit from pruning primarily to remove spent flowers and encourage a tidy growth habit. Once the flowering has ceased, usually by mid-summer, trim away dead flower stems down to the base of the plant. Additionally, any dead or yellowing foliage can be removed to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning can be done post-blooming and is typically not needed again until the next season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilOriental Poppy 'Lighthouse' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mixture consisting of garden soil, perlite, and compost is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingOriental Poppies generally do not need frequent repotting as they are perennial plants; disturbing their roots can inhibit their growth. They should be repotted if the soil is depleted or if they outgrow their current space, typically every few years.
Humidity & MistingOriental Poppy 'Lighthouse' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers dry to average conditions. It is not necessary to provide additional humidity for these plants in most climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Oriental Poppies.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Oriental poppy 'Lighthouse' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in spring or autumn, dependent on the climate and conditions. The seeds sprout and grow into a rosette of leaves close to the ground. Over time, the rosette develops a deep taproot and vegetative growth progresses until the plant is mature enough to produce flowering stems. The striking flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, showcasing their vibrant colors for a brief period before the petals shed. After flowering, the plant sets seed in distinctive seed pods that, once dry, release seeds for the next generation. During the heat of summer, the plant often enters a period of dormancy, with foliage dying back, until cooler weather prompts renewed vegetative growth, thus completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Oriental Poppy 'Lighthouse' is most successfully propagated through division, ideally performed in late summer or early fall. As Oriental Poppies are perennial, they form clumps that can be divided to create new plants. The process involves carefully lifting the poppy's clump from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring minimal root disturbance. The clump should then be separated into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can be immediately replanted into well-draining soil, spaced about 15 to 18 inches (approximately 38 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. The new plants should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
