Bolero Oriental Poppy

Bolero Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale 'Bolero')

Bolero Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale 'Bolero') is a compact, double-flowering perennial known for its rich, deep pink blooms with ruffled petals and dramatic dark centers. This variety brings bold color and elegant texture to the late spring garden, making it a perfect choice for smaller spaces, front-of-border plantings, and classic cottage designs. With its tidy habit and vibrant presence, 'Bolero' offers all the drama of larger poppies in a more manageable size.

Distinctive Features

'Bolero' produces double to semi-double flowers in vibrant rosy-pink tones, each bloom layered with satiny, pleated petals that add depth and movement. A dark maroon blotch at the base of each petal frames the central stamen cluster, creating dramatic contrast. Flowers measure 4 to 5 inches across and are held on sturdy stems above dense mounds of finely cut, gray-green foliage. Plants typically grow 18 to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide, ideal for smaller gardens or tight planting areas.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; intolerant of standing water or heavy clay.
• Water: Moderate; water during active growth, then allow to dry during summer dormancy.
• Humidity: Tolerates average humidity; best with good air circulation.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7, reliably hardy in cold climates.

Ideal Uses

• Front of Borders: Compact size makes it ideal for the edge of garden beds.
• Cottage Gardens: Adds vintage charm with richly colored, old-fashioned blooms.
• Mixed Perennial Beds: Combines beautifully with peonies, irises, and salvias.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and early-season pollinators.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Excellent for arrangements when picked in bud stage.

Low Maintenance Care

Bolero Oriental Poppy is an easy-care plant that thrives with minimal effort when grown in sunny locations with well-drained soil.

• Watering: Keep soil moist during spring growth; reduce watering after bloom as foliage begins to die back.
• Pruning: Remove spent blooms and allow foliage to yellow naturally before cutting back.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support flowering.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant; rarely troubled by pests if properly spaced.
• Winter Care: Hardy and reliable without special protection; mulch lightly in cold zones if desired.

Why Choose Bolero Oriental Poppy?

Bolero Oriental Poppy delivers all the bold color and floral drama of larger poppies in a space-saving form that's perfect for smaller gardens or layered plantings.

• Rich, Ruffled Blooms: Deep pink double flowers offer vibrant spring color and texture.
• Compact Habit: Ideal for small gardens, containers, or the front of mixed borders.
• Cold Hardy: Reliable performer in USDA zones 3-7.
• Pollinator Friendly: Supports bees and beneficial insects in late spring.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and long-lived with proper care.

For a compact yet bold perennial that adds striking color and texture to spring gardens, Bolero Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale 'Bolero') is a standout choice.