Oriental Poppy (papaver orientale)

I am always fascinated by the delicate papery petals on the oriental poppy which are usually scarlet in colour, however, I ended up with a more delicate coloured cultivar.  

Oriental poppy (p. orientale) is a hardy early Summer perennial that forms a clump of coarse, deeply cut deep green leaves which sends up long stalks and forms large buds.

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I would place this perennial towards the middle section of the mixed border and they contrast well with lavender and bearded iris.  There are numerous varieties but I have been particularly taken by the two groups growing in my garden which are a tone of pink and peach.  I collected seeds last year which I successfully germinated although they do tend to self seed and in the right conditions can take over the garden.  I look forward to having more displays next year.  Oriental poppies usually like a sunny position although they seem to do just fine in part shade, part sun.  

When you are planning a flower garden, I think this is one plant you most definitely want on your list.  One thing to remember though they do not bloom long term and by mid Summer it literally has disappeared underground.   You just have to make the most of their short existence.