“In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly.

Scarce heard amid the guns below.”

May is a time for remembering and memorials. The common red poppy flower is a well-known symbol for the blood spilled during the four years (1914-1918) of The Great War (World War I) and lauded by the 1915 poem, “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. The poem’s opening lines refer to the abundant poppies that were the first flowers to bloom in the disturbed earth of the allied soldiers’ graves in Flanders (Belgium).

The term “remembrance poppy” was first used in 1921 by the Royal British Legion, and is now internationally used in many countries to commemorate military personnel who have died in war. Bright artificial poppy flowers are often distributed at charity events on Memorial Day in the United States, to remember the fallen and honor their ultimate sacrifice, with hope that their lives were not lost in vain.

Although native to Europe and Asia, Papaver rhoeas has naturalized in many parts of our country, since this plant’s introduction. This delicate-looking annual features interesting-looking, drooping buds that unfold to bloom. Multiple scarlet-red petals form to create the body of each flower, with a distinctive black dot at the petal’s base. Pink or white flowers may also occur. This resilient wildflower is commonly known as the corn poppy given its readiness to flourish in farm fields, i.e., a broad-leaved agricultural weed, but an attractive one.

Pair this poppy with blue cornflowers and white verbena or Nippon daisies for a striking color combination. Grow them in clumps, as they are eye-catching when massed in rock gardens and border bed frontage (1.5 ft in height). Maintenance requirements for the poppies are low, but make sure to place this plant in full morning sun with good drainage. Average rainfall is sufficient to meet a poppy’s water requirements. This poppy will bloom from late spring into summer.

The poppy self-seeds, so it will remain in the garden year after year. Black-colored seeds are encapsulated until ripe, when the barrel-like fruit will “pop” or explode to distribute its contents. Cut poppy flowers will remain fresh in water for a few days, but are better known as vibrant enhancements to wildflower meadows, cottage gardens and pollinator habitats.

Birds, bees and beneficial insects are all attracted to the field poppy, yet these plants are also thankfully known to be deer resistant. Look to Cooperative Extension online articles and attend local nursery events, to learn more about other plants that deer avoid.

And please, don’t forget to remember those who have served this country and the world.

Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.