Princess Victoria Louise Oriental Poppy

Princess Victoria Louise is an Oriental poppy with soft salmon-pink flowers marked by dark centers. It flowers in late spring and early summer above a coarse, hairy foliage clump, then usually dies back and rests through much of summer. ## Garden Use Its warm pastel flowers suit sunny perennial borders and cottage gardens, especially where companions can fill the space after the poppy’s foliage disappears. The [Perennials.com profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/papaver-orientale-princess-victoria-louise.html) reports USDA Zones 2–9, a mature height of 29–35 inches, a spread of 18–23 inches, and salmon-pink flowers with black markings. It also notes that the flowers can be cut as buds begin to open. ## Growing Conditions Choose a sunny site in ordinary garden soil; the species tolerates a range of soil textures when drainage is adequate. Water during spring growth, but avoid persistently wet soil around the crown. Late-season plants nearby help maintain border coverage while the poppy is dormant. ## Maintenance Let leaves yellow naturally before removing them. Divide established clumps in late summer when needed, and plant companions nearby to provide summer coverage.