About
Argemone mexicana is an annual plant that produces bright yellow blossoms throughout the summer months. It grows to a height of up to 60 cm and features spiny, blue-green leaves. The plant also develops distinctive prickly seed heads that add to its visual interest.
About the genus
Argemone comprises annuals, perennials, or shrubs that are frequently spiny. The foliage can be simple, lobed, or covered in spines. In summer, these plants produce prominent flowers resembling those of poppies, which are succeeded by sizable, often spiny fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Toxicity
- All parts can cause harm if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained soil, especially those low in nutrients. A position in full sun is ideal - shade will not be tolerated
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free