Papaver alpinum aka Austrian Poppy

Taxonomy

Papaver alpinum, also known as the Alpine poppy or dwarf poppy, is a short-lived perennial plant that can reach heights of up to 20cm. It is primarily found in the Alps and Pyrenees Mountains of Europe, with several sub-species, four of which are specifically found in Austria. This beautiful plant forms a tuft of pinnately divided leaves and produces solitary cup-shaped flowers in colors ranging from yellow, orange, red to white. These flowers can reach a diameter of 4cm and bloom during the summer season. The alpine poppy is a compact and charming plant, growing in clumps and typically reaching a height of 8-10 inches.

Common names

Austrian Poppy, Alpine Poppy, Rhaetian Poppy, Dwarf Poppy

How to care for Austrian Poppy

Difficulty

Austrian Poppy requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Austrian Poppy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Austrian Poppy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Austrian Poppy requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Austrian Poppy will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Austrian Poppy to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Austrian Poppy is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia