{"product_id":"poppy-ladybird","title":"Poppy Ladybird","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePapaver commutatum 'Ladybird'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLadybird Poppy \/ Caucasian Scarlet Poppy 'Ladybird'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eVibrant scarlet cup-shaped flowers with huge contrasting black blotches at the petal bases — the colour and pattern of an enormous ladybird (and the source of the variety's common name) — held on bushy hardy annual plants that bees absolutely adore. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf 'Flanders Red' is the classic delicate field poppy, 'Ladybird' is the bolder more dramatic relative. This variety produces vibrant pure-scarlet cup-shaped flowers, but each petal carries a huge contrasting black blotch at its base — the four blotches together creating a dramatic central \"cross\" or \"ladybird-pattern\" of black against the saturated red. The effect is genuinely striking and unmistakable. The plants are bushier and more compact than typical Field Poppies (reaching 45–50cm) but produce the same delicate tissue-paper silky petals on slender stems. \u003cstrong\u003eHolds the RHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/strong\u003e — recognition reserved for plants of consistently outstanding garden performance. \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Plants for Pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — the open accessible cup form combined with the dark high-protein pollen makes 'Ladybird' exceptional for bee support. Hardy annual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLike all poppies, has a sensitive taproot and \u003cstrong\u003emust be direct-sown\u003c\/strong\u003e where it is to flower. \u003cstrong\u003eDirect sow outdoors\u003c\/strong\u003e in March–May for summer blooms, or September–October for stronger autumn-sown plants the following year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eRake soil to fine tilth, scatter seeds thinly on the surface — \u003cstrong\u003edo not cover\u003c\/strong\u003e (seeds need light to germinate). Press firmly into soil. Germination 14–21 days. Full sun, well-drained soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDo not feed\u003c\/strong\u003e. Thin seedlings to 20–25cm apart for the best flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn cottage borders for the dramatic scarlet-and-black combination — 'Ladybird' is properly eye-catching in a way that few other annual poppies can match. In wildlife gardens for the high pollinator value combined with the bold colour signal. In children's gardens where the \"ladybird-pattern\" markings genuinely capture children's imaginations. In cutting from the cottage garden (with the same proper handling all poppies need — cut in early bud and sear stem ends immediately).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor complementary colour drama, pair 'Ladybird' with the lime-green of Bupleurum 'Griffithii' — the green and scarlet creates designer cottage contrast. For traditional wildflower meadow combinations, plant with Cornflower 'Blue Ball' and Corncockle for the classic British cornfield mix. With Poppy 'Flanders Red' for layered scarlet poppy display at slightly different heights.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64766396793181,"sku":"POP-LDY","price":2.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1185\/5965\/files\/2048800aee276065557ccd6_upscale.jpg?v=1779457380","url":"https:\/\/turfstoreuk.com\/products\/poppy-ladybird","provider":"Turf Store UK ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}