Papaver orientale 'Aglaja'

It is perfectly normal for the foliage of Papaver orientale 'Aglaja' to yellow and die back after the June bloom. You can simply trim away the spent foliage to tidy up your garden bed, as the plant is entering its natural summer dormancy.

To keep them fresh in a vase, you must sear the ends of the stems immediately after cutting. This process seals the stem and prevents the milky sap from leaking, which helps the blooms last significantly longer indoors.

No, this variety is intolerant of wet feet and requires well-draining soil to thrive. If your garden tends to hold moisture, consider planting them in a raised bed or a location with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Yes, Papaver orientale 'Aglaja' is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, deer typically avoid these poppies due to their texture and taste.

Deadheading is optional. If you remove the spent blooms, the plant will focus its energy on root development, but if you leave them, you will be rewarded with attractive, ornamental seed pods.

These poppies are very hardy and actually require a period of cold winter temperatures to perform well the following season. They do not need special winter protection in zones 3-7, provided they are planted in well-draining soil.