We're offering you a 2 or 4 Poppy 'King Kong' Plants for £7.99, saving you up to 33% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £11.99 (correct as of 23.12.2025).

Poppy King Kong

Papaver orientale 'King Kong', also known as Oriental Poppy 'King Kong', is a standout perennial prized for its colossal scarlet blooms and robust garden performance. Each plant produces spectacular, satiny flowers held high on strong, upright stems, creating a commanding presence in any garden display.

Why Grow Poppy 'King Kong'?

• Dramatic Blooms: Enjoy extra-large, vivid red flowers that appear from late spring through early summer, offering a bold splash of colour when other perennials are just awakening.
• Lush Green Backdrop: The finely divided foliage forms dense mounds of greenery, accentuating the brilliance of each bloom.
• Wildlife Friendly: These poppies attract bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinators and adding life to your outdoor space.

Growing Guide

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn or early spring for strong establishment before blooming season.
• Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade; ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
• Soil Type: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites.
• Hardiness: Hardy in UK gardens (USDA zones 3–7); withstands winter cold once established.

Planting & Care Tips

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, poppies are drought tolerant.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring as new growth emerges.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage tidy foliage and potential repeat flowering. Cut back old foliage in autumn.
• Pest & Disease: Generally trouble-free; watch for slugs on young shoots.

Design Ideas & Companion Plants

• Cottage Gardens: Combine with lupins, delphiniums, and foxgloves for a traditional look.
• Borders & Beds: Plant alongside hardy geraniums or ornamental grasses for contrasting textures.
• Wildlife Gardens: Mix with nectar-rich perennials to create a pollinator haven.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant Poppy 'King Kong'?
  The ideal time is autumn or early spring when the soil is workable and not waterlogged.
• How tall do these poppies grow?
  Poppy 'King Kong' typically reaches up to 90cm (35in) in height when mature.
• Do I need to lift the plants over winter?
  No, these are fully hardy perennials that can remain in the ground year-round in UK gardens.