Poppies

Poppies have an amazing heritage as symbols of beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life. The Egyptians included this flower at funerals and in burial tombs. The Greeks used them in the shrines of Demeter, goddess of fertility, and Diana, goddess of the hunt. They symbolize sleep, rest and repose.

In modern times, they have been associated with Flanders fields as an emblem of those who died in World War I. The Flanders poppy has appropriately been called the "Poppy of Remembrance." They have also been used for centuries in seasonings, medicine and health tonics.

A tea made from this flower has been used for its calming effect. The papaver pods is the only variety that contains opium, but other species do have mildly sedative effects, too. Water made from these flowers is said to remove wrinkles and freshen the skin. They can also be used for dye and for adding flavor and texture to breads and pastries.

They do best in cool climates. They are both a cultivated flower and a hearty wildflower. Although they are perennials, they are often grown as annuals. They grow throughout Europe, the Orient and the Americas. They are the state flower of California.

They should be watered moderately and kept in full sun. They grow between 2' and 5' tall with blooms up to 12 inches across. Colors include scarlet red, deep orange, light orange, white, yellow, purple and pink with black centers. There a single leaf and double leaf forms. For a bright, striking addition to your garden, add a border of bright poppies!