Papaver orientale ‘Harvest Moon’ is a striking perennial grown for its large, double orange flowers that open from late spring to early summer. The blooms rise above a clump of green to gray-green leaves and bring strong color to mixed borders. It is a good choice for cottage-style planting, sunny borders, and cutting gardens. The flowers have a full, ruffled look that gives the plant extra presence in bloom.
This oriental poppy grows in a clump and reaches a medium height that suits many home gardens. After flowering, the foliage often fades and the plant goes dormant in summer, which is a normal part of its growth cycle. For this reason, it is often planted near later-growing perennials that can cover the empty space. Its flowers are not strongly scented, but they create a strong visual display and can also attract pollinators.
Spent flowers can be removed for a tidier appearance, and the stems can be cut down after blooming. When the leaves turn yellow and die back, the plant can be cut back fully. Propagation is usually done by root cuttings to keep the cultivar true, while division is possible but should be done with care. Aphids, slugs, and snails may appear, and the plant can also be affected by mildew, wilt, blight, or gray mold if conditions remain too wet.