Papaver commutatum Ladybird (Poppy)

Noted for its large, brilliant crimson flowers, Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird' (Poppy) is a very popular annual flower, featuring showy, bowl-shaped, vibrant red flowers, 3 in. wide (8 cm), with a large black spot at the base of each petal. A prolific bloomer, each poppy may bear up two dozen or more flowers at a time. Borne on erect, long hairy stems, they rise atop the low, neat foliage of oval, regularly lobed leaves. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the flowers give way to ornamental seedpods, thereby extending the season of interest of this plant to fall and winter. Besides, they become seed treats for birds in the dull winter landscape. An exceptional annual that will add a bright color splash in your landscape without requesting any maintenance! 

• Grows in clumps up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and spreads 6-8 in. (15-20 cm)
• Prefers full sun and enjoys fertile, well-drained soils.
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Easy to grow, long-lived, and virtually care-free, it is also deer tolerant!
• Perfect for borders and beds, cottage gardens, or meadows. Excellent choice for naturalizing. Great in containers and makes good cut flowers too!
• Sow seeds in the ground in early spring (for early summer blooms) or early fall (for late spring blooms). They will start to flower within a month and keep going for about 3 to 4 weeks. Plants usually self-sow freely when growing in suitable conditions (so long as the soil surface is disturbed).
• Remove spent flowers to prolong bloom. At the end of the season, leave a few plants to die down and self-seed.