Plant guide

Welsh poppy.

Papaver cambricum

Pronounced pa-PA-ver KAM-bri-kum

Also known as Poppy, Welsh Poppy

The Welsh poppy is a charming perennial that brings a touch of sunshine to shady garden corners. It is well known for its ability to self seed, often popping up in unexpected spots. You will love its delicate, cup shaped flowers that bloom throughout the warmer months.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to mimic its natural woodland home. Watch for wilting during dry spells, as it prefers cooler, damp conditions. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage a longer flowering season.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two months during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove faded flowers frequently to prevent unwanted self seeding and promote new growth.
Repotting: Repot in early spring if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Moist, well draining, humus rich soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Bright yellow or orange cup shaped flowers
Deeply lobed, fern like green foliage
Milky sap present in stems
Small, capsule like seed pods

Science

Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Papaver
Order: Ranunculales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Is your welsh poppy looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.