About
This vigorous short-lived perennial grown as an annual to 40cm in height, with prickly stems and blue-grey leaves, the large, silky, saucer-shaped, poppy-like white flowers to 15cm across, in summer and autumn, are followed by prickly seed capsules.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in poor, gritty or stony, sharply-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required, deadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in early spring, will self-seed freely
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free