Poppy 'Watermelon'

Launch your May garden in spectacular style with this sumptuous Oriental poppy. Poppy 'Watermelon' features deep pink, crepe-like petals with contrasting black blotches at the base. The ruffled, bowl-shaped blooms measure up to 20cm across, rising on tall, sturdy stems above neat basal clumps of bristly foliage.This hardy perennial is perfectly suited to cottage-style, wildlife-friendly gardens, where its striking blooms draw in a wealth of beneficial pollinators. Even after flowering, the sculptural seedheads provide lasting architectural interest and make an intriguing addition to cut arrangements.Despite their silky, oversized blooms and glamorous appearance, Papaver orientale is a remarkably resilient perennial. A classic companion to alliums, irises and peonies, it thrives in sunny, free-draining positions and, when cut back hard after its first display, will often reward you with a second flush of flowers in a good summer. Ultimate height: 80cm (31in). Ultimate spread: 45cm (18in).