Poppy Laurens Grape

£2.64

This product will be sent direct from the supplier
Description

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape' Lauren's Grape Poppy 'Lauren's Grape'

The deepest velvet plum-purple poppy you can grow from seed — large single cup-shaped flowers in a saturated deep grape-purple shade so rich it looks like crushed blackcurrants, held high on tall silvery stems above the characteristic silver-blue glaucous foliage of the Papaver somniferum family. 'Lauren's Grape' is the moodiest cottage poppy and one of the most photographed varieties in modern cottage gardens.

This is the cottage garden poppy for gardeners who want serious moody drama. Named after the American gardener who selected and stabilised the variety in the 1990s, 'Lauren's Grape' produces large single cup-shaped flowers in an extraordinary saturated deep plum-purple — the colour of crushed grapes, vintage velvet, or the deepest possible blackcurrant. The petals have an almost-luminous quality against the silver-blue glaucous foliage characteristic of Papaver somniferum, and the flowers are held high on tall slender stems (75–100cm) that bring proper architectural drama to any cottage border. After the petals fall, the seed pods are the same magnificent pepper-pot heads as 'Black Peony' and 'Hungarian Blue', with the same exceptional dried-flower value. Hardy annual.

A note on growing

Like all poppies, sensitive taproot — direct sow only where it is to flower. Direct sow in March–May or September–October. Autumn sowing recommended for stronger earlier-flowering plants.

Rake to fine tilth, scatter on the surface, do not cover (light required for germination). Press firmly into soil. Germination 14–21 days. Full sun, well-drained soil. Don't feed. Thin to 30cm spacing for the largest flowers and biggest seed pods.

⚠️ Toxicity warning: all parts of Papaver somniferum (except fully-dried mature seeds) are toxic if ingested. Keep packets and plants away from children and pets.

Where it shines

In sophisticated moody cottage borders where the deep plum-purple adds proper Gothic drama. In modern monochrome and "dark cottage" garden design. As cut flowers for sophisticated jewel-toned arrangements. As architectural seed-pod plants — we particularly value 'Lauren's Grape' for our dried flower range here at Salle Moor Hall Farm, where the pepper-pot heads contribute structural quality to many of our dried arrangements. In cottage gardens that lean modern rather than traditional.

Plant alongside

For an all-Papaver somniferum dark cottage scheme, combine 'Lauren's Grape' with Poppy 'Black Peony' (deeper velvet maroon-black) and Poppy 'Hungarian Blue' (violet-purple with edible seeds) — three different jewel-tone purples on matching habit. For high-contrast cottage drama, pair with Cosmos 'Purity' (pure white airiness) and Bupleurum 'Griffithii' (zesty lime-green lift). With Hollyhock 'Nigra' for the all-time darkest cottage colour combination.

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.

Be a smarter gardener

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.

Love your land

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.

Embrace sustainability

Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Recommended by Lucy Hutchings of @shegrowsveg and author of “Get Up and Grow” and recommended by Anna Greenland of @annagreenland and author of "Grow Easy"