Photo of Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown'

Also Known As

  • Papaver laciniatum 'Swansdown'
  • Papaver x hybridum 'Swansdown'
  • Swansdown White Carnation Poppy

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 4'
  • W: 6"

planting zones

  • 1-10a

More Options

Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown' plant details

Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown' is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen annual / biennial with blue and green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown'

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: papaveraceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 6 IN wide, 4 FT tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, heirloom, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown'

USDA Zones: 1 - 10a
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Long necked 'Swansdown's sturdy stems hold up huge fully double pure white blooms with cut petal tipsù-so frilly. It's a real 'tah dah!' moment when they burst out of the confining buds and unfurl. Lovely in the spring to early summer garden, where they shine and perk up dark flowers like 'Bowles' Black' viola.
And the Frilliest Award goes to ... absolutely stunning pure white 'Swansdown'! You could create an all white garden just to show off its swan-y excellence. This year, I think I'll grow it with 'Black Peony' Poppy, Nemophila menziesii 'Pennie Black' & set them all off with Nicotiana ‘Lime Green.’ How fun!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown' plant

How to Grow Papaver somniferum 'Swansdown'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous

See other plant types of Papaver for your garden

aka Beauty of Livermere Oriental Poppy

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Papaver orientale 'Beauty of Livermere' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Carmen Oriental Poppy

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 15"

Width: 15"

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Papaver orientale 'Carmen' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Double Pleasure Oriental Poppy

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Papaver orientale 'Double Pleasure' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Harlem Oriental Poppy

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Papaver orientale 'Harlem' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Turkenlouis Oriental Poppy

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Papaver orientale 'Turkenlouis' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+106 more Papaver
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved