Overview

Glaucium flavum is a clump forming perennial in the genus Glaucium, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Glaucium flavum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, Denmark, East Aegean Is., France, Germany and Great Britain.

About

Glaucium flavum, the yellow horned poppy, yellow hornpoppy or sea poppy, is a summer flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is native to Europe, Northern Africa, Macaronesia and temperate zones in Western Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Glaucium flavum

About the genus

Glaucium is a genus of about 25 species of annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Papaveraceae, native to Europe, north Africa, and southwest and central Asia. The species commonly occur in saline habitats, including coasts and salt pans.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Glaucium

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Glaucium flavum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.6 m
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Native to
Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, Denmark, East Aegean Is., France, Germany, Great Britain
Toxicity
All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Glaucium flavum

Cultivation
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerant of coastal conditions; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back in late autumn or early spring to tidy.
Propagation
Seed in situ in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Glaucium flavum?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerant of coastal conditions; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Glaucium flavum?

Glaucium flavum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Glaucium flavum need?

Glaucium flavum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How do I prune Glaucium flavum?

Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back in late autumn or early spring to tidy.

How big does Glaucium flavum grow?

Glaucium flavum reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Glaucium flavum hardy in the UK?

Glaucium flavum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Glaucium flavum?

Seed in situ in spring or autumn.

Is Glaucium flavum toxic?

All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic.

More in the Glaucium genus

Browse all Glaucium