Poppy Ladybird
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Description
Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird' Ladybird Poppy / Caucasian Scarlet Poppy 'Ladybird'
Vibrant scarlet cup-shaped flowers with huge contrasting black blotches at the petal bases — the colour and pattern of an enormous ladybird (and the source of the variety's common name) — held on bushy hardy annual plants that bees absolutely adore. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner.
If 'Flanders Red' is the classic delicate field poppy, 'Ladybird' is the bolder more dramatic relative. This variety produces vibrant pure-scarlet cup-shaped flowers, but each petal carries a huge contrasting black blotch at its base — the four blotches together creating a dramatic central "cross" or "ladybird-pattern" of black against the saturated red. The effect is genuinely striking and unmistakable. The plants are bushier and more compact than typical Field Poppies (reaching 45–50cm) but produce the same delicate tissue-paper silky petals on slender stems. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit — recognition reserved for plants of consistently outstanding garden performance. RHS Plants for Pollinators — the open accessible cup form combined with the dark high-protein pollen makes 'Ladybird' exceptional for bee support. Hardy annual.
A note on growing
Like all poppies, has a sensitive taproot and must be direct-sown where it is to flower. Direct sow outdoors in March–May for summer blooms, or September–October for stronger autumn-sown plants the following year.
Rake soil to fine tilth, scatter seeds thinly on the surface — do not cover (seeds need light to germinate). Press firmly into soil. Germination 14–21 days. Full sun, well-drained soil. Do not feed. Thin seedlings to 20–25cm apart for the best flowering.
Where it shines
In cottage borders for the dramatic scarlet-and-black combination — 'Ladybird' is properly eye-catching in a way that few other annual poppies can match. In wildlife gardens for the high pollinator value combined with the bold colour signal. In children's gardens where the "ladybird-pattern" markings genuinely capture children's imaginations. In cutting from the cottage garden (with the same proper handling all poppies need — cut in early bud and sear stem ends immediately).
Plant alongside
For complementary colour drama, pair 'Ladybird' with the lime-green of Bupleurum 'Griffithii' — the green and scarlet creates designer cottage contrast. For traditional wildflower meadow combinations, plant with Cornflower 'Blue Ball' and Corncockle for the classic British cornfield mix. With Poppy 'Flanders Red' for layered scarlet poppy display at slightly different heights.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
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Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
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The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
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