Some kind of oriental poppy

Hi all

I have lots of big poppies in my garden, which just came along by themselves with no input from me. My neighbour says they are some kind of oriental poppy, but he's not certain and I'm certainly not.

They are perennial, about 3ft tall, flower from June to late August. They have frilly pink flowers, and dense foliage. Here's the pics. Anyone know what exactly they are?

 

I reckon its the hang gliders scattering seeds everywhere.

 

Looks like Opium poppy to me but obviously a double flowered cultivar =] perhaps Papaver somniferum 'Peony Flowered'?

 

I thought Opium poppies were more purple in colour?

 

Certainly looks like Opium Poppy. What a pretty one.

I had a Google, and it appears the species that is grown as a crop is traditionally white with a pink tinge, but could be in a range of colours. Cultivars occur in a wide range of colours in the white, pink, red and purple area.

 

The blue-green leaves give it away as Opium Poppy
Oriental Poppy has hairy green leaves also seed pods are not as round

Opium Poppy is an annual but will seed very freely so will come up each year.

 

If it is Opium poppy, am I breaking any laws for having it in my garden?

 

Wow, that is really pretty.

 

I've got lots of these as well Clueless. I've also got the same one in dark red. Not breaking any laws. :gnthb:
Penny, these are what I am drying for you.:D

 

Only if you start your own drugs ring:hehe::hehe:

 

Thanks all, so we're agreed on two things then. They are opium poppies, and they are perfectly legal (presumably as long as they are only used as a garden ornamental).