White Oriental Poppy Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Perry's White'
ABOUT
The plant known as the Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' is admired for its striking appearance. This poppy variety features large, silky, bowl-shaped blooms of a pristine white color. The petals exhibit a soft, papery texture and may have occasional brush strokes of pale pink or creamy tones. At the heart of each flower lies a dark, contrasting center surrounded by black or deep purple blotches at the base of the petals, emphasizing the brightness of the white. The foliage of 'Perry's White' complements its showy blooms with a blue-green hue. The leaves are dissected into thin, bristly segments, giving the plant a somewhat ruffled look. The foliage acts as a soft, lush backdrop for the luminous flowers that stand boldly atop sturdy, erect stalks, emerging from basal clumps of leaves. After blooming, the faded flowers make way for interesting seed pods that add an ornamental touch to the garden. The visual appeal of the Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' during its flowering season, with its contrasting colors and delicate petal structure, is highly valued by gardeners and creates a dramatic display in any garden setting where they are situated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Papaveraceae.
Synonyms
Perry's White Oriental Poppy, White Oriental Poppy, Perry's White Poppy.
Common names
Papaver orientale 'Perry's White'.
ToxicityTo humans
Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' contains several alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested. Consumption of any parts of the plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and confusion. In severe cases, respiratory depression, coma, or even death could occur due to the morphine-like compounds present. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion and to wash hands after handling the plant.
To pets
Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The alkaloids in the plant can cause similar symptoms to those in humans, such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sedation. In more serious cases, pets may experience central nervous system depression, which could be life-threatening. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting parts of the plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Caucasus, Northeastern Turkey, Northern Iran
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The large, showy flowers of Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' attract bees and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate plants in your garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking white blooms featuring a contrasting black center, this poppy adds dramatic visual interest to any garden or landscape.
- Perennial Growth: The plant returns yearly with proper care, reducing the need for replanting and offering long-term enjoyment.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Drought Tolerance: This poppy is relatively hardy and able to withstand periods of drought once fully established, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a seasonal display when many other plants are not yet at their peak.
- Border Plant: Due to its height and upright growth habit, it serves well as a border plant, adding structure and height to garden beds and borders.
- Deer Resistant: Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' is generally not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas prone to deer browsing.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of this poppy are excellent for cutting and can be used in fresh floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The large, striking blooms of the Oriental poppy 'Perry's White' make it a favorite subject for photographers looking to capture the delicate textures and contrasting colors found in nature.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers and educators can use the Oriental poppy 'Perry's White' to illustrate plant anatomy, pollination, and the lifecycle of perennials to students.
- Garden Design: Its pure white flowers can be used to create a monochromatic garden theme or to provide a contrast in a garden that utilizes a vibrant color scheme.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The petals of Oriental poppies can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, though 'Perry's White' may yield more subtle tones due to its light coloration.
- Floral Arrangements: While not the longest-lasting cut flower, 'Perry's White' can be used in temporary fresh floral arrangements for events, offering an elegant and sophisticated touch.
- Creative Projects: Dried petals and seeds from Oriental poppies can be used in crafting, for example, in creating handmade paper or in adding natural elements to mixed media art.
- Book Pressing: The blooms and leaves of 'Perry's White' can be pressed in books to create artistic bookmarks or to preserve the flower's beauty in journals and herbariums.
- Film and Theater: These poppies can be used as set decorations in films and stage productions to evoke certain moods, seasons, or to add visual depth to a scene.
- Food Garnish: Although not widely practiced, flowers from the Oriental poppy could be used to garnish dishes in high-end culinary settings for a dramatic presentation.
- Garden Companionship: 'Perry's White' can be planted alongside plants that thrive in similar conditions, such as peonies, to create a mixed border with varied textures and forms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace: White poppies have been considered a symbol of peace, possibly due to their somber connection to times of war and remembrance, but also as a hopeful wish for tranquility and calmness.
- Sleep and Rest: The poppy is often associated with sleep because of its sedative properties derived from opium which is obtained from some species of Papaver.
- Death: Due to their prominent use in World War I remembrance (especially the red poppy), poppies can also represent death and the memory of those who have passed away in conflicts.
- Resilience: Despite their delicate appearance, poppies can thrive in difficult conditions and thus symbolize resilience and the ability to recover from hardship.
- Beauty and Success: Poppies are known for their vibrant and beautiful blooms, making them a symbol of luxury and success in some cultures.
- Imagination: Due to the poppy's connection with sleep and dreams, it's sometimes used to represent imagination and fantastical realms.
WaterOriental poppy 'Perry's White' should be watered deeply once per week, allowing for at least one inch of water to soak the soil. This deep watering will encourage root growth. Adjust frequency to account for periods of rainfall, as this poppy prefers not to be overwatered. During the hot summer months, increased watering frequency may be required to prevent the soil from drying out completely. In general, provide approximately 0.6 gallons of water per square yard every week, making adjustments for weather conditions.
LightOriental poppy 'Perry's White' thrives in full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant would be an open area in the garden with minimal shade where it can soak up the sun's rays. Avoid planting in areas that are prone to shadowing from buildings or other plants to ensure it receives adequate light.
TemperatureOriental poppy 'Perry's White' is a hardy plant that can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing temperatures for this poppy fall between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can handle occasional fluctuations outside of these ranges but may suffer if extreme temperatures are prolonged.
PruningPrune Oriental poppy 'Perry's White' after flowering to remove spent blooms and encourage a tidy growth habit. Deadheading, or removing the spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. Cut back the foliage after it dies back post-bloom, which usually occurs in late summer. Pruning is not only for aesthetic reasons but it also helps to prevent the plant from seeding all over the garden.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' thrives in well-drained soil with a mix of loam, sand, and some organic matter to encourage good root growth. Aim for a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5, ensuring it's slightly acidic to neutral. Amendments like compost can enhance soil fertility.
RepottingOriental Poppies 'Perry's White' are typically grown as perennials in the garden and do not require repotting. They are not commonly grown in containers, but if they are, repot them only when they outgrow their current pot, which is rare due to their taproot system.
Humidity & MistingOriental Poppy 'Perry's White' tolerates average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. They grow well in the atmospheric humidity found in most temperate climates without the need for additional humidification.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA.
Life cycleThe Oriental Poppy 'Perry's White' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in late summer or fall, germinating to produce small rosettes of leaves. The plant overwinters in this rosette form, enduring cold temperatures. In spring, the rosette of leaves grows rapidly, developing a sturdy stem and foliage, followed by the flowering phase when large, white flowers with a black center bloom, providing an eye-catching display. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers give way to seed pods. Once the seeds mature, the plant dries, and the seed pods release seeds which can be dispersed by wind or collected for propagation. The plant then goes into dormancy during the hot summer months, disappearing completely, to reemerge from the remaining rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The Oriental poppy 'Perry's White' can be propagated most effectively through division, typically performed in the late summer or early fall after the plant has flowered and when it begins to die back. To do this, carefully dig up the clump of poppies, ensuring a good amount of soil is kept around the roots. Gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, each containing several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Proper care, including watering and mulching, will help ensure that they establish well in their new location. This method of propagation allows the plants to recover from the division during the cooler months, ready to resume growth in the spring.
