Argemone mexicana

RHS Plant Profile
devil's fig

Other common names

birds in the bush, Corooko oil plant, flowering thistle, headache garden, headache poppy, infernal fig, Jamaica thistle, Mexican poppy, Mexican prickly poppy, thistle oil plant, yellow Mexican poppy, yellow thistle, prickly poppy

Annual Biennial

An annual with vivid yellow flowers all summer and prickly blue-green foliage to 60cm in height. It has ornamental prickly seed heads

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

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, Bushy
Potentially harmful
All parts can cause harm if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after 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 any well-drained soil, especially those low in nutrients. A position in full sun is ideal - shade will not be tolerated

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Coastal
  • Rock garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free