Glaucium corniculatum aka Blackspot Hornpoppy

Glaucium corniculatum, or red horned poppy, belongs to the poppy family, Papaveraceae. Its native range covers Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region to Iran. Kew places it in temperate climates. Sources differ on its life cycle. The RHS describes a biennial, while Kew records annual or perennial growth. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists it as a perennial. These records do not support one fixed life span.

The plant forms a clump with a rosette of leaves. Fine hairs cover parts of the plant. Its silver-grey leaves have deep lobes, and its branched stems are grey. The foliage is deciduous rather than evergreen. Garden height and spread each range from about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The RHS gives one to two years as the time to maturity. Its small size suits the front of a bed or border.

Flowers appear from summer into early autumn. Their petals range from crimson red to orange. Each petal usually has a black mark at its base. The blooms have the familiar shape of poppy flowers. Long, slim seed pods follow the flowers. Together, the grey leaves and warm flower colours give contrasting tones. The branched stems hold the flowers above the leaf rosette.

Grow this plant in full sun with good soil drainage. The RHS accepts chalk, loam, and sand as growing soils. It also lists acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Poor to moderately fertile soil suits it. The plant tolerates drought, with dry to moist conditions listed. South-facing and west-facing sites suit its need for sun. Both exposed and sheltered spots are suitable. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6 under UK conditions. This rating covers minimum temperatures of about −20 to −15°C.

The RHS suggests gravel gardens, coastal sites, and informal cottage gardens. It also lists courtyard gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower beds. Other uses include edging and planting beneath roses or shrubs. Sow seed where the plants will grow, in spring or autumn. Avoid moving established plants, since root disturbance troubles them. No pruning is needed. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. These traits support its use in sunny, well-drained garden sites.