annual

Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy

Papaver nudicaule 'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Papaver nudicaule, commonly known as Iceland poppy, is a short-lived perennial or biennial, often grown as an annual. It features cheerful, papery flowers on slender, leafless stems, rising from a basal rosette of finely divided, blue-green, fern-like foliage.

'Champagne Bubbles Scarlet' is a cultivar in a popular series known for its large, 3-4 inch, vibrant scarlet-red flowers on strong, upright stems. It is prized for its uniform growth habit and profuse blooming, making it excellent for beds, borders, and as a cut flower.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright scarlet flowers add vibrant color to borders and containers, attracting attention and enhancing visual appeal.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and easy to grow, ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecology.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

18 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual

Native To

Subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia

Toxicity

All parts are poisonous if ingested; sap may cause skin irritation.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds on the soil surface in well-draining soil.
  2. Mist cuttings lightly to maintain moisture.
  3. Water regularly during germination, about 2 weeks.
  4. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, after 4 weeks.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
  6. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Pro Tip

Sow seeds directly outdoors after last frost for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead to prolong flowering
  • Apply a light mulch to retain moisture

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t fertilize late in the season
  • Never disturb roots when transplanting

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Propagate

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid border plantWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Lavender CoreopsisEchinaceaSalviaYarrow

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy questions

What zones can Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy grow in?

Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy deer resistant?

Yes — Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy bloom?

Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy typically blooms in late spring to early summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy need full sun?

Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Champagne Bubbles Scarlet Iceland Poppy with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.