Iceland Poppies, Papaver nudicaule, are hardy but short-lived perennials that produce large, bowl-shaped flowers. They sit on top of fuzzy, tall stems among feathery foliage that is blue-green in color and lightly fragranced, typically coming in red, orange, pink, and yellow blooms. Despite its name, Iceland Poppy is not native to Iceland, but it is indeed hardy in zones 3 to 10.
Etymology
The scientific name of Iceland Poppy, Papaver nudicaule, comes from the Latin word papaver, meaning “poppy” and the Latin word nudicaulis, meaning “stalkless” or “stemless”. The alternate old common name “Wild Balsam” is derived from the Latin family name for the species, BALSAMINACEAE.
Meaning and Symbolism
The flower symbolizes success, prosperity and fertility. Iceland Poppies are believed to bring joy to the recipient and encourage dreams. They are often given as a token of appreciation or to express congratulations. The bright petals of the flower also symbolize the long summer days in the Icelandic landscape and is a reminder of the beauty of nature.
History, Mythology and Religious Significance
Iceland Poppies have a rich history in Icelandic culture and traditional customs. Poppies have been found in archaeological excavations in the form of offering vessels, which implies that they have been used in religious celebrations since the beginning of Icelandic culture. Iceland Poppies are also special to Icelandic mythology, as the flower was said to be a messenger of Freya, the Norse Goddess of love and fertility. In Iceland, the flower is also used to celebrate the death of loved ones, and they are also given as a token of appreciation and affection.
Flower Varieties and Defining Characteristics
The subclassification of Papaver nudicaule, Iceland Poppy, offers many variants, with remarkable features that it can be hard to tell the flower types apart. The one chosen for this paper is the Icelandic Poppy, which is a subtle pale yellow. It beautifully flushes with a delicate blush of baby pink in the middle of the petal.
Other varieties include the Icelandic Yellow Poppy, with very delicate soft lemon yellow petals, and the Icelandic Red Poppy, which stands taller and reaches a flamboyant crimson color.
All varieties of Papaver nudicaule form similar characteristics, both on foliage and flower levels. The blue-green plants form a mound of foliage, with branched stems that culminate in an ethereal teacup-shaped poppy flower.
How to Plant
Iceland Poppies are relatively easy to grow, as they are hardy and resistant to weather fluctuations and harsh climates. They require full sun and a well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The soil should be damp, not soggy and the pH should be neutral to alkaline. Watering should be done in the mornings and evenings, making sure the plants do not remain soggy. Prune once the flowers start to die.
How to Pot and Repot
The best way to pot an Iceland Poppy is to use a pot or container that is at least 10 inches wide and deep, with multiple drainage holes on the bottom. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss and sand. Plant the Iceland Poppy at the same depth as it was in the original pot, and ensure the top of the root crown is at the top of the potting soil. Water the potting soil slowly and allow to drain.
Repotting should done every year as the flowers grow larger, as they will require more soil and more potting space. If the soil is depleted or not of the right type, a repotting of the Iceland Poppy may be necessary.
How to Prune
Pruning an Iceland poppy is a simple task that can help promote sturdy, healthy growth for the plant. To begin, use a pair of small pruning shears to trim the stem just above the third leaf of the stem. Since the Iceland poppy produces side buds from the lateral flowers, cutting the stem helps promote the development of these functional side buds.
After pruning the stem, remove any old, dead flowers. Pruning must be done regularly to maintain the growth and longevity of the plant and promote more blooms. If a plant is overgrown, then more pruning may be necessary.
How to Propagate
Iceland Poppies can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. To propagate from seeds, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and water them lightly. Seeds can take anywhere from 10-14 days to germinate. After germination, the plants need to be pruned and transferred to larger containers.
To propagate from cuttings, cut a section two to three inches long from the stem of the plant and make sure it contains at least one node. Place the cutting in a pot filled with damp potting mix and water it lightly. To encourage root growth, keep the pot in a warm area and out of direct sunlight. The cuttings can take anywhere from seven to 10 days to take root.
Common Pests and Diseases
Iceland Poppies are relatively hardy, but they are still susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Aphids and slugs are common pests, while powdery mildew and root rot are common diseases. To prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, maintain a healthy environment for the plants. This includes frequent waterings, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring good drainage. Additionally, nutrient imbalance can cause fungal and bacterial diseases, so fertilize the plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Three Frequently Asked Questions about Papaver nudicaule
Q. How do I know if my Iceland Poppy is getting enough sunlight?
A. Iceland Poppies need to receive at least five to six hours of sunshine a day, during the growing season. You can tell if the flower is getting enough sunlight if the foliage is bright green, if it’s flowering in abundance and if the blooms last long.
Q. How often do I need to water a Iceland Poppy?
A. Iceland Poppies need to be watered every day, in order to keep the soil moist but not saturated. In the hotter months they can need to be watered twice a day. During the winter months, they need to be watered less often, but still make sure the soil doesn’t dry out.
Q. What type of soil is best for Iceland Poppies?
A. Iceland Poppies need well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to thrive. A soil mix of compost, sand and peat moss is ideal. The pH of the soil should be slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 8.0.
Table Fact Sheet
| Iceland Poppy | Papaver nudicaule |
|---|---|
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 6-12 inches tall |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well draining, nutrient rich |
| Soil pH | Slightly alkaline (6.0-8.0) |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
| Flower Color | Red, orange, pink, yellow |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-10 |
| Native Area | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
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