Poppy - Oriental Poppy ‘Fireball’ (Papaver orientale - ‘Fireball’) Non GMO - Flower
Poppy - Oriental Poppy ‘Fireball’ (Papaver orientale - ‘Fireball’) Non GMO - Flower
Common Name: Oriental Poppy ‘Fireball’
Family: Papaveracea
Description:
‘Fireball’ is a cultivar of Oriental poppy known for its large, vibrant, fiery red to scarlet flowers with a dark black center. The blooms are dramatic and eye-catching, making it a popular choice in ornamental gardens. The petals are often crinkled like crepe paper, adding to their texture and charm.
Perennial
Height & Spread:
• Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 inches)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
Flowering Time:
• Late Spring to Early Summer (typically May to June)
Light Requirements:
• Full Sun
Soil Requirements:
• Well-drained soil
• Prefers moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
• Dislikes wet winter soils
Hardiness:
• Fully hardy in most temperate climates
Growing Instructions
• Planting Time:
• Plant in spring or autumn
• Light:
• Requires full sun (6+ hours per day)
• Soil:
• Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Neutral to slightly alkaline pH
• Avoid heavy clay or soggy areas
• Spacing:
• Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 in) apart
• Watering:
• Water regularly during establishment
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Do not overwater, especially in winter
• Fertilizer:
• Not heavy feeders; use a light, balanced fertilizer in spring if soil is poor
• Mulching:
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots
• Keep mulch away from crown to prevent rot
• Pruning:
• Cut back flower stems after blooming
• Remove dead foliage as it yellows (summer dormancy is normal)
• Support:
• May need light staking in windy areas due to tall flower stems
• Pests/Diseases:
• Generally pest-free
• Watch for root rot in poorly drained soil
• Dividing/Transplanting:
• Dislikes disturbance
• Divide only if necessary, in early autumn
Care Tips:
• Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming—this is part of the plant’s normal summer dormancy
• Can be cut back after flowering
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots
• Do not transplant frequently—Oriental poppies dislike root disturbance
Uses in Garden:
• Ideal in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower plantings
• Pairs well with summer and autumn-blooming perennials that can fill in the gap once the poppy goes dormant. P
Companion Plants:
• Catmint (Nepeta)
• Salvia
• Ornamental grasses
• Coreopsis
• Echinacea
Seed count: 25