Overview

Argemone platyceras is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Argemone, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Argemone platyceras grows best in full sun, and tolerates chalk and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, coastal, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and low maintenance.

About

Argemone platyceras, commonly known as chicalote or crested poppy, is a bushy herbaceous perennial or annual biennial belonging to the Papaveraceae family. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres within 1 to 2 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun with a preference for south- or west-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. It favours well-drained soils such as chalk or sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline, and is drought resistant. Its season of interest spans summer and autumn.

About the genus

Argemone is a genus of flowering plants in the family Papaveraceae commonly known as prickly poppies. There are about 32 species native to the Americas and Hawaii. The generic name originated as ἀργεμώνη in Greek and was applied by Dioscorides to a poppy-like plant used to treat cataracts.

Wikipedia contributors, "Argemone", CC BY-SA 4.0Argemone

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Argemone

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Argemone platyceras size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Argemone platyceras

Propagation
Seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Argemone platyceras?

Argemone platyceras prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Argemone platyceras need?

Argemone platyceras grows best in chalk and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How big does Argemone platyceras grow?

Argemone platyceras reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.

Is Argemone platyceras hardy in the UK?

Argemone platyceras has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Argemone platyceras?

Seed.

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