Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous PerennialAnnual Biennial

Argemone platyceras
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

chicalote

A vigorous short-lived perennial grown as an annual to 40cm in height, with prickly stems and blue-grey leaves, the large, silky, saucer-shaped, poppy-like white flowers to 15cm across, in summer and autumn, are followed by prickly seed capsules

Other common names
crested poppy

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Blue
Summer White Grey Silver Blue
Autumn White Grey Silver Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Argemone can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, often prickly, with simple, lobed or spiny leaves and showy poppy-like flowers in summer followed by large, often spiny fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in poor, gritty or stony, sharply-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring, will self-seed freely

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required, deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.