Poppies & calendula add pop of winter color
It’s always a joy to come across a new and colorful winter bloomer. Here are two to add to the list: Papaver rhoeas ‘Pandora’ and Calendula officinalis ‘Bronzed Beauty.’
Poppies and calendulas are well known to gardeners, but these varieties might open a few eyes. Start with the brand-new red-streaked papaver. Although the species might be a puzzle to some, its best known variety, the Flanders poppy, is well known: In the aftermath of World War I, this bright red poppy became an enduring commemoration of those who died in the war.
This corn, or field, poppy was so plentiful it once self-seeded prolifically among agricultural crops. That said, you might not recognize the extravagant colors on this double form. Boasting bright reds, dark and light pinks, even a hint of burgundy, all splashed with nature’s paintbrush, this poppy is all about the dazzle. Beginning in late winter, it produces lacy green foliage, soon followed by a steady display of large (3-inch) wavy papery flowers. If deadheaded, a single plant will produce dozens of flowers over a two-month period. As a bonus, papaver rhoeas has the highest pollen count of any poppy and 50 percent more than the next type (California poppy). That means that bees and butterflies will be quick to find them.
Calendulas are a popular way to add yellows and oranges to a winter garden, but did you know that there’s a multicolored variety (C. ‘Bronzed Beauty’) now in the trade? This showy annual displays a light bronze color, but the darker tips and bronzy-ruby undersides give the impression of multicolored petals. The contrast between the two sides of each petal also gives each flower the appearance of radiating circles of color, adding an almost geometric delight to those viewing it. And when the sun catches the flowers, they seem to be ablaze.
Calendulas are tough and prolific plants, much like their cousin the marigold. Given sun and good drainage, calendulas will bloom over a long period from late fall to spring. A modest 18 inches tall, they can spread to 2 or 3 feet when happy. Some of you may know that Calendula officinalis has been used traditionally as a culinary or medicinal herb. The petals are used to garnish salads, and the dried petals have been used to color cheese or as a saffron substitute.