Maureen Gilmer
Family
Papaveraceae
Botanical Name
Papaver nudicaule var. croceum
Plant Common Name
Iceland Poppy
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
The low, large-flowered, delightfully delicate poppies that go under this name are favorites for fall planting and winter bloom in frost-free regions, adding vivid color to the year’s shortest days. Extremely hardy short-lived perennials native to subarctic regions, they are adapted for fast growth and flowering during short growing seasons. This adaptation makes them ideal for gardens in high mountain regions or the far north, where they are planted in spring and bloom in summer. Many seed-grown strains of Iceland poppy are available, including the pastel 'Champagne Bubbles' and the more gaudy 'Sparkling Bubbles.'
Easy to grow, these charmers produces small rosettes of blue green foliage. They are truly fabulous bloomers. Held well above the foliage atop hairy leafless stems, the globular flower buds open to large bowl-shaped flowers with crinkly petals that resemble crushed silk. At their center are numerous golden stamens surrounding a barrel-shaped ovary that is crowned with a star-shaped stigmatic disk. The fruit is a capsule comprising the ovary and stigmatic disk. The blooms come in shimmering shades of red, pink, coral, yellow, orange and white.
Full sun and cool weather are necessary for good flowering. Plants are not too picky about soil as long as it's relatively fertile and well-drained. Regular water, fertilizer, and deadheading will keep plants blooming longer. Iceland poppy performs best when purchased as a larger plant with a good-sized root system. These poppies are great for sunny borders and containers and look best planted in masses.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 2
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 7
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (12)
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Width
0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (6)
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Northern Europe, Russia/Siberia, Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Bedding Plant, Container, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
