Argemone
( ar - JEM - on - ee )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known under the name Prickly Poppy, this genus contains annuals and biennials that need partial to full shade and regular water to perform well. Individual plants grow to reach 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with showy white or yellow poppy flowers that bloom in summertime. Prickly Poppy will reseed and colonize as plants fade and return each year. Species are native to Hawaii and the Americas. Take care when planting these interesting flowers in your garden, as all plant parts are poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals.
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argemone Species and Varietals
The genus Argemone is a member of the plant family Papaveraceae and includes 32 species. Argemone growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Argemone albiflora (White Prickly Poppy, Bluestem Prickly Poppy, Texas Prickly Poppy) This species is native to the Midwest United States where it grows in sandy and gravelly soils and produces white flowers. Foliage has sharp spines. The oil derived from this species' seeds was used during WWII as a fine lubricant. The oil content of the seeds is 25.8, close to that of soybeans. |
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Argemone corymbosa (Mojave Prickly Poppy) This species is native to the Mojave Desert in the United States, and grows on sandy plains and dry slopes in its native range. It is especially common around Cima and Kelso communities in California. The stems of this plant are covered in an orange latex material. Individual plants reach up to between 16 and 32 inches tall when mature and in bloom. |
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Argemone glauca (Hawaiian Poppy, Pua Kala) This native of Hawaii is commonly found in rocky or sandy disturbed soils. It can be found growing on all of the main land masses in the island chain, and produces white flowers with yellow centers. Foliage is blue-grey-green with a waxy tint, and the latex sap within stems is yellow. This is a perfect plant for xeric landscaping. |
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Argemone mexicana (Mexican Poppy, Flowering Thistle, Cardo, Cardosanto) This annual does best in zones 2, 3, 7-24, H1 and H2. This species of Prickly Poppy is native to the West Indies, Central America and Florida, and has yellow to orange flowers. Variety 'Yellow Lustre' has lemon-orange blooms and blue-green variegated leaves. |
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Argemone munita (Flatbud Prickly Poppy, Chicalote) Chicalote is a California native plant with blue-green or mint-green foliage. Flowers are white with yellow centers. Plants produce erect, spiny stems and foliage, and reach between 3.5 and 5 feet tall when mature. Flowers bloom towards the end of summertime. |
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Argemone ochroleuca (Pale Mexican Prickly Poppy, Mexican Poppy) This native of Mexico has been identified as a weed in many areas of the globe, and reaches about 3 feet 3 inches tall when fully grown. Plants exude a sticky yellow sap when cut. These plants have a high invasive potential, outcompeting native species and decreasing biodiversity outside of its home range. |
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Argemone pinnatisecta (Sacramento Prickly Poppy) With white flowers that bloom between the months of May and August, this species is native to New Mexico, where it grows on the slopes and bottoms of canyons. Individual plants reach up to 5 feet tall when mature and in bloom. Foliage is deeply divided and blue-grey. Stems and leaves are very thorny. |
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Argemone polyanthemos (Argemone intermedia) (Bluestem Prickly Poppy, Annual Pricklypoppy, Thistle Poppy, Crested Pricklypoppy, White Pricklypoppy) This annual or biennial grows in zones 2, 3, and 7-24. This is a western native with shabby-chic style white flowers with yellow centers. Native to the southwestern United States through to some areas of the Pacific Northwest. |
Caring for ARgemone
Argemone have long taproots that delve deep into the soil profile in search of nutrients and moisture. While this makes them drought-tolerant and easy to care for, it also makes them quite difficult to transplant successfully. If you are transplanting a nursery specimen, take great care in not disturbing its established root system inside the pot when planting. Prickly Poppy plants can easily be started from seed, as well, and reseed freely when left to their own devices. Plant Prickly Poppies in full sun (ensure that they will receive between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day), and before planting, ensure that soil is well-draining. These plants prefer sandy or loamy soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 (neutral to slightly acidic).
Prickly Poppies are drought tolerant plants once established, though they will need some additional waterings as they are acclimating to their new environment. For new transplants and younger plants that are developing their root system, provide water regularly. Mature plants can survive on deep waterings between periods of allowing the soil to dry out. Feed Argemone plants with a dressing of organic compost applied in early springtime; they will not need any additional fertilizers. Prune to maintain an attractive shape and size. To encourage bushier growth, especially when the plant is young, pinch back branch tips. Remove dead or damaged branches, as well as any that cross. Deadheading regularly can encourage many new blooms to pop. These plants naturally form an attractive but loose bushy structure, with long stems and copious flowering heads.
Prickly Poppies are drought tolerant plants once established, though they will need some additional waterings as they are acclimating to their new environment. For new transplants and younger plants that are developing their root system, provide water regularly. Mature plants can survive on deep waterings between periods of allowing the soil to dry out. Feed Argemone plants with a dressing of organic compost applied in early springtime; they will not need any additional fertilizers. Prune to maintain an attractive shape and size. To encourage bushier growth, especially when the plant is young, pinch back branch tips. Remove dead or damaged branches, as well as any that cross. Deadheading regularly can encourage many new blooms to pop. These plants naturally form an attractive but loose bushy structure, with long stems and copious flowering heads.
Propagation
Prickly Poppy plants are best propagated via seed; they have a large taproot that makes them difficult to transplant. For best results, direct-sow seed in fall.
Propagating Argemone by Seed
Propagating Argemone by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed pods are pretty easy to spot, left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have all been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them or place them in a storage container until you are ready to sow.
- In fall, broadcast seed and work it into the soil a few inches down. Water regularly. Sprouts should emerge within 2-6 weeks.
Dried flower heads, ready to spill their seeds.
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Argemone seeds are small, black, and have a netted pattern.
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Problems and Pests
Prickly Poppy can suffer from issues with the following pests and diseases:
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Caterpillars
Gallery
Argemone mexicana 'Yellow Lustre'.
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Argemone in a mixed rock garden bed.
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Plant Prickly Poppy alongside salvias, cacti, and succulents for a rock garden floral display.
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Videos
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Learn about Prickly Poppy plants.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 167, Argemone
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