Beauty of Livermore Oriental Poppy

Beauty of Livermere is a named oriental poppy with large, deep scarlet flowers, each marked by a bold black blotch at the base of the petals. The Royal Horticultural Society lists it under the Oriental Group and records the names Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’ and P. orientale var. bracteatum ‘Beauty of Livermere’ among its synonyms. [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/366039/papaver-oriental-group-beauty-of-livermere/details) ## Seasonal display The single flowers reach about 20 cm across and appear in late spring and early summer above toothed, bristly leaves. The RHS gives a mature height and spread range of 0.5–1 m. After flowering, foliage may fade, so plant it beside later-growing perennials that can cover the gap. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand as suitable soil types. Keep the soil from becoming waterlogged around the taproot. ## Maintenance Cut spent stems back after flowering unless seed heads are wanted. Trim foliage as it fades in summer. Named poppies do not necessarily come true from seed; use division or root cuttings when maintaining a particular selection. Provide water while establishing and during extended dry weather, then avoid excessive irrigation.