Argemone albiflora

RHS Plant Profile
prickly poppy
prickly poppy visionspictures.com
Annual Biennial

An upright annual or biennial with dark blue-green, thistly-like prickly foliage and large, poppy-like white flowers with yellow to red centres appearing in the summer. Releases a milky, latex-like sap when crushed. Although individual flowers do not last long, they provide continuous blooming collectively. A great addition to a wildflower meadow or wildlife garden

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Sap may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Argemone can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, often prickly, with simple, lobed or spiny leaves and showy poppy-like flowers in summer followed by large, often spiny fruits
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained sandy soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Self-seeds easily in situ

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free