Common Name: Icelandic poppy
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Papaveraceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Bloom Time: April to June
Bloom Description: Scarlet red with yellow center
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Naturalize
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Culture
Short-lived perennial that is usually grown in gardens as a short lived perennial or annual. It is best grown in organically rich, moderately fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Plants generally grow well in average garden soils as long as drainage is good. Plants appreciate some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Plants thrive in climates with cool summer temperatures (day and night), but struggle in hot and humid conditions. Sow seed outdoors in spring several weeks before last frost date, or for earlier bloom, sow seed indoors in pots about 6-8 weeks prior to last spring frost date. Propagate from seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Papaver nudicaule, commonly called arctic poppy, is native to Asian mountain areas north into arctic regions. Each plant features a clump of pinnately lobed basal leaves from which rise slender, leafless flower stems to 1-2’ tall. Solitary, saucer-shaped, mildly fragrant flowers (to 4” diameter) with crinkled petals bloom from spring to early summer. Horticultural varieties produce flowers in a range of colors including white, yellow, orange, salmon, rose and pink.
Genus name from Latin means poppy.
The specific epithet nudicaule means "bare-stemmed", in reference to the flowering stalks of this species which lack leaves.
The common name arctic poppy refers to the native range of this plant.
'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet' features large, cup-shaped scarlet red blooms with a yellow center eye and crinkled petal texture. Mature plants will reach up to 1.25' tall and spread to fill a 0.75' area.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Alpine gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, mixed border fronts, containers. Excellent cut flower for fresh arrangements.