Product Description
Papaver orientale 'Queen Alexander' (30)ct Flat
Common name: Oriental Poppy.
Bright, salmon-pink blooms with smooth, rounded petals are borne on wiry, pubescent stems from late spring thru early summer. The petals have a crepe-like appearance and a satiny texture. Each flower can measure 4-5" across.
In the center of a poppy's flower rests a very large, velvety-black seed capsule surrounded by prominent, dark purple stamens. Altogether, these flowers absolutely steal the show when they are in bloom. After the bloom cycle is completed however, these perennials will go dormant, so plan on planting other plants nearby to fill in the gaps.
Height: 30.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7
Flower Color: Peach shades, Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Early Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Specimen
'Queen Alexandra' is a beautiful and eye-catching Oriental poppy cultivar that is known for its large, salmon-pink flowers and elegant presence in the garden. It is a classic choice for adding a touch of romance and color to borders and beds. Here is a closer look at its key features:
Appearance:
- Salmon-Pink Flowers: 'Queen Alexandra' produces large, cup-shaped flowers in a bright salmon-pink color. The petals have a crepe-papery texture and a satiny sheen, adding to their allure. The flowers typically reach 4-5 inches in diameter, creating a beautiful display in the garden.
- Dark Center: The center of each flower features a prominent, velvety-black seed capsule surrounded by dark purple stamens, providing a beautiful contrast against the salmon-pink petals.
- Gray-Green Foliage: The flowers emerge from a mound of finely cut, hairy, gray-green foliage that adds texture to the garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, but good drainage is essential.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-7. It is best suited for cooler climates and may struggle in areas with hot and humid summers.
Care:
- Low Maintenance: 'Queen Alexandra' is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers can encourage additional blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- Foliage Dieback: The foliage tends to die back after flowering, leaving a gap in the garden. You can interplant with other perennials to fill the space.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds a soft and romantic touch of color to borders and beds.
- Cottage Gardens: Its informal and delicate appearance makes it a good fit for cottage gardens.
- Specimen Plant: Its large, eye-catching flowers make it an excellent specimen plant.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting and using in arrangements, but they do not last long.
Additional Information:
- Short Bloom Time: Oriental poppies have a relatively short bloom time, typically flowering for a few weeks in late spring to early summer.
- Self-Sowing: 'Queen Alexandra' can self-sow, so you may find new seedlings popping up in the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Oriental poppies.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
If you are looking for a beautiful and romantic perennial with large, salmon-pink flowers, Papaver orientale 'Queen Alexandra' is an excellent choice. It is a classic and reliable addition to any sunny garden, adding a touch of soft color and elegance.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
