Papaver Orientale 'Waltzing Mathilde' – Hardy Perennial Oriental Poppy

Papaver orientale 'Waltzing Mathilde' is a striking oriental poppy prized for its large, semi-double, deep plum-purple flowers with dark, almost black basal blotches. Each bloom is beautifully ruffled with delicately creped petals, creating a dramatic display when flowering in early to mid-summer. Once established, this hardy perennial is both drought-tolerant and reliable, returning year after year with minimal care. After flowering, the foliage dies back naturally before re-emerging in autumn with fresh rosettes of deeply cut, bristly green leaves.

Oriental poppies are a classic choice for sunny borders, cottage-style gardens and mixed perennial schemes. 'Waltzing Mathilde' pairs especially well with ornamental grasses, silver-leaved plants and other summer-flowering perennials that can fill the gap once the poppy foliage retreats.

What's Included:

• 1 x Papaver Orientale 'Waltzing Mathilde' supplied as a 3 Litre root ball, ready for planting.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Papaver orientale 'Waltzing Mathilde'


• Common Names: Oriental Poppy, Waltzing Mathilde Poppy


• Classification: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 70–80 cm × 45–60 cm


• Growth Habit: Clump-Forming Herbaceous Perennial


• Perfect For: Sunny Borders, Cottage Gardens, Gravel Gardens, Mixed Perennial Schemes


• Flowering Time: Late Spring to Early Summer (May–July)


• Flower Colour: Deep Plum-Purple with Dark Basal Blotches


• Planting Position: Full Sun


• Soil Requirements: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor and Sandy Soils


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H7)


• Attracts: Bees, Pollinators & Beneficial Insects


• Type: Hardy Deciduous Perennial (Foliage Dies Back After Flowering)


• Foliage: Deeply Cut, Bristly, Mid-Green Leaves

Planting & Care Tips:

• Plant in a sunny, well-drained position. Avoid waterlogged soils, as oriental poppies dislike sitting in wet conditions over winter.


• Water regularly after planting to help the root system establish. Once settled, this poppy is notably drought-tolerant.


• After flowering, the foliage will naturally yellow and die back. This is completely normal — surround with later-flowering perennials or grasses to disguise the gap.


• Fresh foliage rosettes will re-emerge in autumn and persist through winter.


• Avoid disturbing established plants, as oriental poppies have deep taproots and do not transplant well once settled.

Notes: This listing is for the Waltzing Mathilde variety, distinguished by its rich plum-purple, semi-double blooms.