An opium poppy in jewel-like shades of rich velvet-plum, this hardy annual is best sown where it is to flower. The large bowl-shaped blooms rise tall on twisty stems atop attractive clumps of subtle, grey-green foliage. With gorgeous open, papery petals and exquisite pale yellow stamens, they will attract a variety of beneficial insects to your garden - a great companion plant to aid pollination and encourage wildlife. 'Lauren's Grape' will sit equally well in contrasting or complementary colour schemes - perfect for mixed beds, borders or containers, or scattering through wildflower areas. For pleasing displays, plant in groups or small drifts. Regular dead-heading will prolong flowering although the seeds pods are highly ornamental and provide great structure for fresh or dried flower arrangements. Remove the seed pods in late summer before they mature unless you want them to self-seed for an informal or wildflower look. The seeds can be used in baking. These poppies will thrive in full sun or part shade, in well-drained, preferably poor soil. Sow outdoors from March to May, or August to October, and you can expect blooms from June to September. Staggered sowings will ensure a longer flowering season. Supplied as a packet of 500 (approx.) seeds ready to plant outdoors directly into their flowering position. Grows to a height of 90cm (36in) by 30cm (12in) spread.