We have a new arrival this month,'Papaver somniferum Paeoniflorum', the poppy 'Black Cloud'. Grown from see this beautiful black/purple poppy has double flowers, that romantically allude to the smokey interior of a traditional opium den! This majestic plant bows his head dramatically over his slender aqua stem as he invites the roses 'Nina'& 'Darcey Bussell' to dance the flamenco. Maintaining his striking colour will be a challenge & demand great discipline. All the self-seeding red poppies in his environs will have to be removed; to preserve his integrity. This is something that we struggle with as some of the most inspired combinations are often the result of plants doing their own thing! The alchemilla that has moved into the red rose wall is a perfect example.
