Yellow Horned Poppy
glaucium flavum
Also known as: ["Yellow Horned Poppy","Glaucium flavum"]
Overview
A coastal plant with striking yellow flowers and long, horn-like seed pods.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Papaverales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Glaucium |
| Botanical Name: | Glaucium flavum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, coastal areas, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; mimics natural coastal conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning annually after flowering; more intensive pruning every 2–3 years if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for health or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0) preferred.
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures during flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; trim leggy stems; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy or after flowering; make clean cuts just above nodes.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pH is within preferred range.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress); wilting or stunted growth (heat stress); bud drop or leaf drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold can damage roots or lead to death.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for protection; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow; flowers may drop prematurely.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest parts of Glaucium flavum. The alkaloids can cause irritation, though cats are generally less likely to consume large quantities of the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Glaucium flavum seeds or roots may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The alkaloids present can cause irritation to the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is uncommon.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGlaucium flavum contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild irritation and discomfort, though severe cases may require medical attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Glaucium flavum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant require much maintenance?
A: No, it has low maintenance needs.
Q: Where is Glaucium flavum typically found?
A: It is commonly found in coastal areas.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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