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.
'Perry’s White'
oriental poppy
Papaver 'Perry's White' has large, silken, pure white flowers with large deep purple to black blotches in the centre. These blooms are held on straight stems above a thick clump of long, bristly, mid-green leaves. This bold, showy, perennial will make a bright splash in any bed or border. Although it will tolerate a degree of shade during the day, a spot in full sun is best. Bees and other pollinating insects will love it, too. It’s a hardy plant, that dies back each winter, to re-emerge in the spring. It likes a sunny spot on a moist, well-drained soil!
This old variety is regarded as the first white oriental poppy. These poppies were initially just red but in the early 1900s nurseryman Amos Perry was keen to breed other colours into them. He succeeded with various pinks but a white form alluded him. Then, one of his customers, sent him an irate letter saying that one of the poppies, was supposed to be pink, came out as a "nasty fat, white one". Amos hurried along and swapped the white poppy with something more to the customer’s taste, and Papaver orientale 'Perry's White' had been found… at last!
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 'Perry’s White'
- Flower colour
- White
- 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.