Papaver ‘Orientale Waltzing Mathilde’ — Hardy Perennial, Bee-Friendly, 3L Pot
Papaver ‘Orientale Waltzing Mathilde’ — Hardy Perennial, Bee-Friendly, 3L Pot
Papaver ‘Orientale Waltzing Mathilde’ — a hardy herbaceous perennial with deep plum-purple with dark basal blotches and flowering late spring to early summer. A reliable nectar source for bees and pollinators. Supplied as an established specimen in a 3L pot, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
- Mature size: 70–80 cm × 45–60 cm
- Flowering: Late Spring to Early Summer (May–July)
- Position: Full Sun
- Attracts: Bees, Pollinators & Beneficial Insects
- Supplied as: Single plant in a 3L pot
The detail
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.
Why ours
Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.
How to grow
| Botanical name | Papaver orientale 'Waltzing Mathilde' |
| Mature size | 70–80 cm × 45–60 cm |
| Growth habit | Clump-Forming Herbaceous Perennial |
| Position | Full Sun |
| Flowering | Late Spring to Early Summer (May–July) |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy (RHS H7) |
| Attracts | Bees, Pollinators & Beneficial Insects |
| Best for | Sunny Borders, Cottage Gardens, Gravel Gardens, Mixed Perennial Schemes |
Frequently asked
Will it come back next year?
Yes — Papaver ‘Orientale Waltzing Mathilde’ is a hardy herbaceous perennial. It will die back over winter and re-emerge in spring, returning bigger and stronger each year.
When will it flower?
Expect flowers from late spring to early summer (may–july). Deadheading spent blooms promptly often encourages a second flush.
Is it really bee-friendly?
Yes — Papaver ‘Orientale Waltzing Mathilde’ is a known nectar source and is regularly visited by bees, butterflies and other pollinators throughout its flowering season.
What size pot does it arrive in?
Supplied as a single specimen in 3L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.