Papaver nudicaule 'Wonderland Mix'

A short-lived perennial plant (usually grown as a biannual) with foliage that creates a ground cover and grows to 20cm wide and 30cm tall.

Attractive hairy buds open to single papery flowers in red orange white and yellow which bloom for six months through autumn and winter. Foliage is lime green and delicate and hairy.

Prefers full sun and well-draining, acidic soil in a sheltered position.

Bedding plants are usually raised from seed sown under trays under cover. The seedlings are transplanted into small containers for growing on before finally being planted out.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established quickly. Prior to planting rake general purpose fertiliser into the soil at about 100 grams (about 2 handfuls) per square metre. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Soil should be light and friable.

Transfer seedlings outdoors to be hardened off before planting. Plant at the same depth at which the plants were growing in their container. Planting too deeply usually results in failure. Plant at 45cm spacing. Handle carefully to minimise root disturbance. Young plants will require thorough watering during dry periods possibly over the first week or two after planting depending on rains. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose but be careful not to get mulch too deep around young plants.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Bedding plants can be allowed to die each season once they have finished flowering. New plants can be purchased or raised from seed each spring. Larger potted or container plants may be overwintered in bright cool locations. It is advisable to add organic matter such as compost to the soil every second year and an annual application of lime.

Attracts lots of bees and insect pollinators.

Generally pest and disease free.

Annual

This species is native to Alaska, Canada, Northern Europe and Russia/Siberia. It often self seeds out.