About

A short-lived perennial, usually grown as a biennial, forming a rosette of deeply-lobed, blue-green leaves. Branched, grey stems carry papery orange poppy-like flowers in summer, followed by long, narrow, upright seed pods.

About the genus

Glaucium are erect, often rosette-forming, annuals, biennials and short-lived perennials with matt, blue-green or grey-green leaves and showy, poppy flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Resents root disturbance
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free