The Top Recommended Varieties of Poppies

Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)

Can become floppy, but regular deadheading will normally keep them upright. After bloom, the foliage turns yellow/brown and dies back. At this point, I cut the entire plant back hard. I will often then get a second low flush of foliage only. Does not self-seed aggressively in my PNW garden, just some extra seedlings at the foot of the mature plants, easy enough to control (or allow your clump to expand depending on your needs).

Oriental Poppy (<i>Papaver orientale</i>)
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

How to completely surprise yourself in your own garden:

Opium Poppy (<i>Papaver somniferum</i>)
Field Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

This poppy pairs nicely with Orlaya grandiflora.

Field Poppy (<i>Papaver rhoeas</i>)
Poppy (Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy')

Quoted from Seedaholic.com website:

Poppy (<i>Papaver rhoeas</i> 'Shirley Poppy')
Breadseed Poppy (Papaver somniferum 'Drama Queen')

This plant self-sows freely. Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings the following year. Average water needs.

Breadseed Poppy (<i>Papaver somniferum</i> 'Drama Queen')
Peony Poppy (Papaver somniferum 'Black Swan')

Black Swan is a spectacular annual poppy. Large, deep burgundy purple frilled flowers. Can self seed. Look for seed heads in the fall.

Peony Poppy (<i>Papaver somniferum</i> 'Black Swan')
Welsh Poppy (Papaver cambricum)

Honey bees get nectar and pollen from this plant.

Welsh Poppy (<i>Papaver cambricum</i>)