Garden hybrid
Papaver x hybridaOriental Poppy9 other cultivars
‘Sugar Plum’Sugar Plum Poppy
‘Naughty Nineties’Naughty Nineties Poppy
‘Afghan Pink and White’Afghan Pink and White Poppy
‘Danebrog’Danish Flag Poppy
‘Orange Chiffon’Orange Chiffon Poppy
‘Drama Queen’Drama Queen Poppy
‘Raspberry Breadseed’Raspberry Breadseed Poppy
‘Pink Heirloom’Pink Heirloom Poppy
‘Single Black’Single Black Poppy
The Story
Plant Bio
Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown' is a hardy annual poppy known for its large, frilly, pure white, double flowers that resemble peonies. It grows quickly from seed and features attractive blue-green foliage.
This cultivar is prized for its unique, feathery, 'powder-puff' blooms. After flowering, it produces ornamental seed pods that are excellent for dried arrangements.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
30 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Europe
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested, contains narcotic alkaloids
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain moisture and encourage rooting.
- Water consistently during germination period for best results.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Sow seeds in early spring for vibrant blooms and healthy plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage new growth
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not allow soil to dry out completely
- Refrain from disturbing roots during active flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Swansdown Peony Poppy questions
What zones can Swansdown Peony Poppy grow in?
Swansdown Peony Poppy is hardy in USDA Zones 6–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Swansdown Peony Poppy deer resistant?
Yes — Swansdown Peony Poppy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Swansdown Peony Poppy bloom?
Swansdown Peony Poppy typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Swansdown Peony Poppy need full sun?
Swansdown Peony Poppy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Papaver to compare
Iceland Poppy
Papaver nudicaule 'Mix'
Falling in Love Corn Poppy
Papaver rhoeas 'Falling in Love'
Brilliant Oriental Poppy
Papaver orientale 'Brilliant'
Pink Iceland Poppy
Papaver nudicaule 'Champagne Bubbles Pink'
Double Atlantic Poppy
Papaver atlanticum 'Flore Pleno'
Oriental Poppy Royal Wedding
Papaver orientale 'Royal Wedding'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Swansdown Peony Poppy with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.