Double Red Shades Oriental Poppy

Double Red Shades is a clump-forming Oriental poppy with showy, saturated red flowers and a dark center above coarse, hairy foliage. Its late-spring to early-summer display makes a vivid focal point in sunny borders, cottage gardens, and massed perennial plantings. ## Garden Use The flowers are large and striking, while the foliage forms a low mound that fades after flowering. Because Oriental poppies commonly go dormant in summer, pair this selection with later-emerging or summer-flowering perennials so the border remains covered. The [High Country Gardens plant profile](https://www.highcountrygardens.com/products/perennial-papaver-orientale-double-red-shades) identifies this exact selection, gives a mature height of 30–32 inches and spread of 18–24 inches, and lists USDA Zones 3–7. ## Growing Conditions Give it full sun and well-drained garden soil. Water to establish, then adjust to rainfall and soil; avoid leaving the crown in persistently wet ground. The petals are useful for cutting, though each flower is short-lived. ## Maintenance Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering, then remove it when it yellows. Leave companion plants nearby to cover the summer gap.