High Country Gardens
Papaver orientale Double Red Shades
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, pest-resistant spring color.
The Double Red Shades Oriental Poppy is a stunning perennial that brings vibrant color to your garden from late spring to early summer. Known for its double set of bright red petals, this hardy variety offers excellent cold tolerance and toughness. Reaching a mature height of 30-32 inches, it creates a showy display in mass plantings or as a cut flower. Thriving in full sun and adaptable to various soil types, this low-maintenance poppy is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a beautiful and practical addition to any garden.
$11.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact focal points for spring landscapes
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, deer-resistant perennials
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting early-season pollinator populations
Who should skip it
- Indecisive gardeners who frequently rearrange their planting beds
- Designers needing year-round foliage coverage in garden borders
- Gardeners prioritizing long-lasting floral displays throughout the season
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Double-layered petals create a dramatic, high-contrast focal point for gardens.
Hardiness
Robust perennial performance thrives reliably across a wide range of zones.
Maintenance Ease
Low water requirements and minimal upkeep make this a gardener's favorite.
Pest Resistance
Natural deterrents effectively keep deer and rabbits from grazing your beds.
Pollinator Appeal
Bright, accessible blooms serve as a reliable magnet for local butterflies.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems provide a striking, architectural element for indoor floral arrangements.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Low
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
30-32 inches
Mature Spread
18-24 inches
Pest Resistant
No
Features
- Striking double red blooms
- Excellent cold hardiness
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies
- Low water needs
- Suitable for cut flowers
- Mounding growth habit
What customers say
Customers are overwhelmingly positive about the stunning visual impact of the Double Red Shades poppy. The primary theme is the exceptional quality of the plant stock received; they arrive healthy and establish quickly, demonstrating strong reliability. Reviewers frequently praise the deep, true double red color, noting that the blooms exceed expectations in size and vibrancy. This variety provides a dramatic, high impact display, making it a highly valued addition to perennial gardens. The successful establishment and impressive flowering confirm its premium quality.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Double Red Shades Oriental Poppy is a hardy perennial. It is designed to return each spring in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7.
Since these poppies have a mature spread of 18 to 24 inches, you should space them at least 20 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and their natural mounding growth habit.
Yes, these poppies are generally avoided by deer and rabbits. Their texture and taste are typically unappealing to these garden pests, making them a reliable choice for areas where wildlife pressure is a concern.
No, this variety has low water needs. Once the plants are established in your garden, they are quite drought-tolerant and prefer soil that is not kept constantly soggy.
Absolutely. Their striking double red blooms make excellent cut flowers. For the best results, cut the stems early in the morning just as the buds are beginning to show color.
Yes, this variety is adaptable to various soil types, including both sandy and clay soils. Just ensure the planting site has good drainage, as poppies do not like to sit in standing water.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11