Allegro Oriental Poppy

Allegro is a named oriental poppy with finely divided silvery-green foliage and tall, bristly stems carrying large bright orange flowers. The Royal Horticultural Society describes the flowers as saucer-shaped with dark blotches at the petal bases and notes summer flowering. [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/44312/papaver-orientale-allegro/details) ## Seasonal display The clump forms a bold summer feature, with pendent buds opening into bright flowers above the foliage. The RHS lists an ultimate height of 0.5–1 m and spread of 0.1–0.5 m. Oriental poppy foliage may fade after flowering, so neighboring plants that grow later can soften the seasonal gap. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun in moist but well-drained soil. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand among suitable soil types. Avoid poorly drained sites, particularly where water may collect around the deep roots. ## Maintenance Allow flowering stems to finish if you want seed heads, or cut spent stems down after flowering. Trim fading foliage in summer. Water during establishment and extended dry weather, but do not keep the root zone waterlogged. The RHS notes that seedlings from named cultivars may not remain true to the parent, so division is preferable when preserving a selection.