Anyone who has ever been to my garden will note that I am very fond of Poppies! I planted a row of Shirley poppies in my vegetable garden many years ago, and was enchanted by their tissue paper texture and lovely colors and bi-colors. They reseeded, came back, and then I began casting the seeds all over my garden! I still love the Shirley poppies, but each year I try some new ones of other types. Last year it was Drama Queen and Pink Ruffled and Lauren's Grape. This year I obtained seed from a Gardenweb trade for White Swansdown....pictured below.
It is aptly named, as it's large double flowers with snow white petals do have the look of the fine soft feathers of a Swan's down. These are about 3 ft. tall and the foliage is a pleasant grayish blue-green color. The Latin name is Papaver somniferum laciniatum.
Another endearing feature of Poppies are the buds. I like the way they gracefully hang their heads, until they are ready to fully bloom. Then they stand upright... at attention! Here is a fat bud, just beginning to open, still in it's drooping position.
A close-up of the feathery white 'down'.
Lovely photos. I am envious as I never have much luck with poppies.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I really must make room for poppies in my garden next year as I love them wherever I see them :)
ReplyDeleteThose are really pretty, and very suitably named!
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNext year, I won't overcrowd my poppies but still - I was so belated and busy the easy broadcast a lot of seed and run method really was the best plan.
ReplyDeleteThis poppy is stunning.
Those are so pretty. I love poppies but they just don't love me back. But these inspire me to try again.
ReplyDeleteGorgeoous Poppies I have enjoyed them, I love Shirlies, Orientals, and California poppies but, have never tried this variety of poppy before is it a prickly poppy or a peony flowered poppy? it is beautiful and it looks like I need to add this poppy to my cottage garden.
ReplyDeleteFlowersforusall.blogspot.com
Wesley - It is the peony flowered type, same kind of foliage.
ReplyDeleteI MUST have some of those! You are doing a great job not only in your garden, but showing us who can't see it up close and personal. I DO need another tour, and I'm thinking Friday, August 8 with my sister, Margy, who will be visiting from western WA. She's heard so much about you.
ReplyDeleteI like poppies and I love this white one all decked out in frills. I keep buying poppy seeds and forget to plant them!
ReplyDeleteI love poppies too but have never seen one quite like that. I think i Iike poppies because they seem so eager to grow and please.
ReplyDeletecheers
irena
Absolutely gorgeous! I do want some of these! Do you think they could withstand all the humidity down here?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poppy Connie! It's aptly named. The soft, featherly texture is lovely. I've never seen one like it.
ReplyDeleteBecky - I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question about poppies/humidity...maybe someone nearer your climate zone would know?
ReplyDeleteI love white flowers. I'll be looking for Swansdown.
ReplyDeleteDo you plant fall or spring? I've had Shirley Poppies before but not Oriental.
Good morning. I followed a link to your site from Amy's blog.
ReplyDeleteI have no poppies now but after seeing your supper full ones, I want some. Those are stunning.
BTW, love the banana cream color on your house (on the latest post.)
Marnie
Mother Nature - These are annual poppies. I winter sowed them, then transplanted to the garden in spring.(www.wintersown.org)
ReplyDeleteI am sure, left to themselves, they would self-seed, or could be sown directly in the ground in either fall or early spring.
Hi Connie
ReplyDeleteI found you by accident while searching for the Swansdown Poppy. For a minute I thought the one picture was mine. I really enjoyed looking through your photo's.
Thanks
Sherrie