Papaver argemone aka Pale Poppy

Taxonomy

Papaver argemone, also known as Roemeria argemone, is a flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is an annual herb with a stem that is often branched from the base and sparse appressed bristles. The plant has basal leaves that are up to 20 cm long and double-pinnately dissected, with extended segments and linear-lanceolate sessile lobes. The buds are oblong and can grow up to 15 mm long. The flowers are red and bloom in May - July. Its native range includes Eurasia and North Africa, but it is also an introduced species in parts of North America, where it can be found growing wild. The plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant and is also a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. Prickly Poppy likes soil that is well draining and does best in long-lasting, direct light that is less than 1 foot from a window. Weeds can be removed by uprooting or cutting them close to the ground from time to time. If the plant doubles in size, it shouldn't need added fertilizers when repotted.

Common names

Pale Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Long Pricklyhead Poppy

How to care for Pale Poppy

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Pale Poppy due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Pale 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

Pale Poppy thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Long Pricklyhead Poppy.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Pale Poppy is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Pale Poppy’s native range is Central and southern Europe, including Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia