Prickly Poppy
Prickly poppy is a beautiful wildflower that lives for only one growing season.
It has stunning, large, papery white flowers throughout the summer. Although the flowers are graceful and delicate, the blue leaves and stems are covered with sharp spines.
It grows naturally throughout the Colorado Springs area, usually in sandy, dry areas. New plants grow from seed produced the previous year.
To add prickly poppy to your landscape, spread seed in areas with some bare soil rather than purchasing transplants.
Prickly Poppy
Prickly poppy is a beautiful wildflower that lives for only one growing season.
It has stunning, large, papery white flowers throughout the summer. Although the flowers are graceful and delicate, the blue leaves and stems are covered with sharp spines.
It grows naturally throughout the Colorado Springs area, usually in sandy, dry areas. New plants grow from seed produced the previous year.
To add prickly poppy to your landscape, spread seed in areas with some bare soil rather than purchasing transplants.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Argemone polyanthemos
Pronunciation
AR-ge-mon-ee pol-ly-AN-them-os
Mature Height
1 to 3 ft.
Mature Spread
1 to 2 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
spring to summer
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
central North America
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
NA
Elevation Limit
NA
Performance
Prickly poppy occasionally grows at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden from seed. It only grows in areas not covered with mulch, since the seed must be in contact with the soil in order to germinate.
When it grows, it is quite eye-catching and blooms for a long period. We have tried to transplant potted plants into the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, but they never have bloomed and then die when winter arrives.
Maintenance
None generally required.