However, it is one of about 10 varieties that fall under the banner of Eleonore de Koning’s ‘Parisienne’ series.

The ‘Parisiennes’ come in many forms and colours, but all have large flowers on extra strong stems, a reasonably compact habit, and foliage that stays good long after that of other Poppies has deteriorated.

'Place Pigalle' plant photographed at Eleonore's nursery early in June. Just look at that lush foliage and compact habit! The stems are incredibly thick too.

They are bound together by a common ancestor, Eleonore’s own ‘Royal Chocolate Distinction’, which she crossed with other European-bred varieties to create the series.

‘Place Pigalle’ stands out not only for its vermillion-red picotee edges, but also because it blooms later than the others, giving an extension to the Poppy window.

‘Place Pigalle’ first appeared in 2001, and was grown for 3 seasons at Eleonore’s nursery before she was satisfied that it was good enough to be introduced as a new variety.

It's not unique in having a picotee edge - ‘Pinnacle’, ‘Picotee’ and ‘Flamingo' all do too, but the brightness of colour is exceptional, and this combined with the plants other qualities do make it a superb all-rounder.