Transformers – Blooms in Disguise

Iceland Poppy  Papaver nudicaule and its cultivar ‘Champagne Bubbles’, are the original transformers.  This ornamental variety is popular in home gardens of yesteryear.

Not to be confused with the Papaver somniferum from which opium is extracted the humble Iceland Poppy blooms begin life as an ugly hairy pod upon the top of a curved hairy leafless stem.  Gracefully developing into the delicate tissue bowl that gently bob in the breeze  the Iceland poppy is generally planted in drift beds.

Native to northern Europe and northern America  they were first described by botanists in 1759. Seeds planted in Autumn can begin flowering in late Autumn and through winter usually finishing flowering by the beginning of Spring.  After transformation to bowl shaped tissue like blooms, they have a delicate fragrance and are known to attract bees with their strong pollen deposits. All parts of the plant are suspected to be poisonous.

Currently in season, choose Iceland Poppy in mixed bunch of open blooms with some buds. The expected life is 5-6 days.  

Visit your Gold Coast florist shop in Helensvale to collect or have them arranged for delivery.