Monday, March 29, 2010

Oriental Poppies

I've had a couple of friends comment on how they can't get poppies to grow where they are.  Just to make sure we are talking about the same plant, this is the orange poppy that is invasive in this area



These plants are very pretty but they spread like crazy - I guess they like the hot summers.  Last summer I dug out (or at least tried to) all the plants that were encroaching in my vegetable garden.  This year they are back with a vengeance.  It's like they have been rejuvenated.  I will let them bloom but then will once again try to dig them out.  I don't want them taking over the whole vegetable garden.  The little flower plot I'm maintaining also has them and I've given a first pass to digging them out.  It's going to be a multiyear process to get rid of them.

2 comments:

  1. I know how frustrating invasive, unwanted plants can be - but wow! Those are gorgeous. I don't think I'd mind invasive poppies as much as I mind the invasive shiso that has taken over one of my gardens.

    Although shiso is mighty tasty.

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  2. yep - oriental poppies - one and the same. They are very well behaved out here in the midwest - wouldn't even think to invade any space they weren't specifically planted (and even not some of those).

    For being the breadbasket of the world it is amazing the limitations there are on plants in the midwest - - but boy can we grow grasses.

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