The Huge Oriental Poppy That's Taken Europe by Storm!
Up to 6 inches across, with a crepe-like texture and saturated with rich color!
'Patty's Plum' is the showstopper of the sunny bed or border, the plant visitors always interrupt you to ask, "And what's "THAT?" In the vase, it draws raves. And why not? Where else can you find massive blooms of a crepe-paper consistency, the outer petals soaked in bright purple, the inner ring a rich blackberry-dark, and the eye a tiny striped gem? This Oriental Poppy has swept all others from consideration in Europe, where it has been available for several years. Brand-new over here, it is certain to create an equal sensation, especially in the far north, where it proves very cold-hardy. I first ran across it in the garden of Dan Hinkley, master plantsman and great discoverer of good things. Visible from 100 feet away, 'Patty's Plum' was not so much eyecatching as demanding of my attention! I don't think I've really looked away since! The blooms are just extraordinary, whether viewed far away or up close. The outer petals have a tissue-like consistency and are drenched in bright lavender, so saturated with color they look freshly painted. Then there is an inner ring that at first appears black, then is revealed as one shade between purple and coal -- shiny, glowing, and beautiful. Within this ring is a stunning eye composed of alternating red and gold stripes that meet in the center. The entire bloom is 5 to 6 inches across. Wow! Ideal for cutflowers as well as garden splendor, 'Patty's Plum' is a nice companion to other Oriental Poppies. The flowers begin in late spring and continue into summer, lasting especially well where summers are mild. This plant reaches 3 to 3 1/2 feet tall and about 2 feet wide. It needs good drainage and plenty of sun, but is quite easy to grow. Hardy in zones 3-8.
|
