How to Prune Oriental Poppy

Overview

Oriental poppies are a perennial that is native throughout Asia. With their large blooms that are sometimes 6 inches across, interesting color combinations and tissue paper-thin petals, these flowers look great in any garden. Oriental poppies are hardy from Zones 2 to 9, meaning that they will grow in almost any region around the U.S. quite easily. Caring for Oriental poppies is simple too. They require only a little bit of pruning to keep them looking their best in your garden.

Step 1

Trim off the Oriental poppy flower stems at the crown after they are finished blooming in the early summer. The Oriental poppy will go dormant in the summer.

Step 2

Allow the rest of the plant to die back in the summer.

Step 3

Trim off any dead leaves or stalks, but leave 2 to 3 inches of foliage above the crown.

Step 4

Water the Oriental poppy once a month for five minutes while it is dormant.