Papaver Rhoeas (Corn Poppy)

Papaver rhoeas is the classic corn poppy, producing vivid scarlet flowers on slender stems that move freely in the breeze. These seeds are ideal for meadow planting, wildflower mixes and informal borders, where strong colour and natural movement are desired. Papaver rhoeas is widely recognised in the UK and Commonwealth as a symbol of remembrance, a link that originated after the First World War when the plant was observed flowering on disturbed battlefields in northern Europe. Following the publication of John McCrae’s 1915 poem In Flanders Fields, the red corn poppy became associated with commemoration of the war dead, a meaning that was later extended to include those who lost their lives in the Second World War and subsequent conflicts. Native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia, this species has long been associated with cultivated land and open ground. Plants germinate readily, forming fine, divided foliage before flowering freely in late spring and early summer. The delicate, papery flowers are short lived individually but produced in succession over a long period. Best grown in full sun and well-drained soil, Papaver rhoeas thrives on disturbance and poor ground, making it well suited to naturalistic planting and re-sowing areas. Plants will self-seed freely in favourable conditions.