Pinnacle Oriental Poppy

Pinnacle Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale 'Pinnacle')

Pinnacle Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale 'Pinnacle') is a captivating, late-spring perennial celebrated for its large, salmon-pink blooms with a distinctive soft apricot sheen and contrasting dark center. Known for its ruffled petals and strong presence in garden beds, this variety delivers showstopping color just as spring transitions into summer, making it a perfect focal point in mixed borders and cottage gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Pinnacle' produces enormous, bowl-shaped flowers up to 6 inches across, with silky, salmon-pink petals that have a subtle apricot undertone and a dark maroon-black blotch at the base. The blooms are held high on sturdy, upright stems above a dense mound of coarse, deeply lobed gray-green foliage. Plants reach 28 to 34 inches tall and spread about 18 to 24 inches, offering bold height and color without overwhelming surrounding perennials.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, moderately fertile soil; dislikes heavy clay or soggy sites.
• Water: Moderate; water during growth and flowering, then reduce during summer dormancy.
• Humidity: Tolerates average humidity; avoid overcrowding for better air circulation.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7, offering excellent cold hardiness for northern climates.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Points: Provides striking color and vertical interest in late spring.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs beautifully with early summer bloomers and grasses that fill in after dormancy.
• Cottage Gardens: Complements the soft, romantic palette of traditional cottage plantings.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and beneficial insects with nectar-rich blooms.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Adds drama to arrangements when harvested in bud stage.

Low Maintenance Care

Pinnacle Oriental Poppy is a long-lived perennial that requires little maintenance once established, provided it has well-drained soil and a sunny location.

• Watering: Water regularly during active growth; reduce as plants go dormant in summer.
• Pruning: Cut back foliage after it yellows and withers naturally post-bloom.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support strong growth and flowering.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant; generally problem-free with proper airflow.
• Winter Care: Hardy without protection; mulch in very cold climates if desired.

Why Choose Pinnacle Oriental Poppy?

Pinnacle Oriental Poppy offers refined beauty and a bold spring display, with soft salmon-pink blooms that add warmth and sophistication to the garden.

• Large, Ruffled Blooms: Showy flowers with unique salmon-apricot tones and dark centers.
• Seasonal Focal Point: Perfect for anchoring spring borders.
• Cold Hardy and Long-Lived: Thrives in northern climates with minimal care.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and supports early-season activity.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and dependable year after year.

For a luminous and elegant addition to spring gardens, Pinnacle Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale 'Pinnacle') is a stunning choice that brings lasting impact with little effort.