Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Helen Elizabeth'
oriental poppy
Papaver 'Helen Elizabeth' is a truly stunning variety, offering vibrant, salmon pink blooms that shimmer in the sunlight. The flowers, with their luxurious, ruffled petals, have a satin-like sheen that gives them an almost ethereal quality. Each bloom is a striking contrast of soft, salmon pinks with delicate undulating edges, making Papaver 'Helen Elizabeth' a standout feature in any garden. Whether used as a focal point in borders or planted in drifts for a more dramatic effect, this poppy’s striking appearance never fails to impress.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, Papaver orientale 'Helen Elizabeth' adds a splash of colour to any space, particularly when planted against darker foliage or contrasting flowers. The sturdy, upright stems provide the perfect support for these showy blooms, ensuring they remain upright and proud, even in breezy conditions. As a perennial, it will continue to reward you with its bold, satiny flowers year after year. Papaver 'Helen Elizabeth' thrives in well-drained, sunny spots, offering a bold, refreshing burst of colour wherever it’s planted. For a flower that blends beauty with resilience, this variety is an essential addition to any garden looking for that perfect touch of elegance.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Papaver orientale 'Helen Elizabeth'
- Flower colour
- Salmon, pink
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.