Plant Description:
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. is a flowering plant found in the family Papaveraceae. It is commonly known as Lapland poppy due to its origin in the northern regions of Europe and North America, including Greenland, Iceland, and Russia.
This herbaceous perennial plant grows up to 15 cm tall when fully matured and has a woody taproot system. The leaves of the Lapland poppy grow directly from the rootstock and are deeply segmented with rounded lobes. The flowers of this plant are large and showy, measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. They come in shades of white, yellow, and orange with a dark center and are borne singly on long stems.
Plant Uses:
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. has been used traditionally as a medicinal plant by native people in the regions where it grows. The plant contains alkaloids such as morphine, which have strong analgesic properties, making it effective in treating pain. The Lapland poppy is also used as a sleep aid due to its calming effect on the nervous system.
The Lapland poppy is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens across the world. Its showy flowers make it an attractive addition to garden borders, rock gardens, and containers. However, it requires well-drained soil and adequate sunlight to thrive.
Plant Appearance:
The Lapland poppy is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm tall. It has deeply segmented leaves and showy flowers that measure up to 5 cm in diameter. The flowers are usually white, yellow, or orange with a dark center. The Lapland poppy prefers cold climates and grows in tundra regions, mountain slopes, and meadows, among other habitats.
Growth conditions for Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm.
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm., commonly known as the Lapland poppy, is a species of poppy native to Arctic regions. It is a hardy plant that can survive in very harsh conditions. Here are the typical growth conditions required for the Lapland poppy:
Light
The Lapland poppy requires full sun to partial shade. This makes it suitable for growing in alpine meadows, tundra, and rocky slopes where sunlight is abundant. It can tolerate bright summer sun and long hours of daylight, as well as low winter light levels.
Temperature
As an Arctic plant, the Lapland poppy is adapted to cold temperatures. It can grow in areas with winter temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) and summer temperatures that rarely exceed 15°C (59°F). In fact, the Lapland poppy requires cold temperatures for successful germination, and seedlings can survive winter conditions that reach -10°C (14°F).
Soil requirements
The Lapland poppy prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5-7.5). It can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy to rocky, as long as the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. The plant is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can grow in a variety of soil compositions.
Overall, the Lapland poppy is a hardy, adaptable plant that can survive in harsh Arctic conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade, cold temperatures, and well-drained soils. If grown in appropriate conditions, it can produce delicate, showy flowers that brighten up the Arctic landscape.
Cultivation
The Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. grows well in regions with cold climates and can be cultivated in well-drained soil. Choose a spot with full sun or partially shaded, which would provide the optimal condition for growth. Ensure that the area is free of weeds or other competing plants that can attract pests and diseases. Sow the plant early in spring or autumn to give it enough time to mature before winter.
Watering needs
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the active growth period. Ensure that you do not overwater, as it may lead to waterlogging and increase the susceptibility of the plant to diseases. However, avoid letting the soil dry out completely as it may interfere with the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Use a well-balanced fertilizer that contains moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season when the plant requires nutrients to support its growth. Ensure that you do not overfertilize, as excess nutrients can cause damage to the plant and lead to soil contamination.
Pruning
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. requires very little pruning. However, you can trim the plant back after blooming to encourage new growth and promote bushier growth. Remove any withered or dead plant parts to maintain its overall health.
Propagation of Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm.
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. is a hardy perennial plant that produces bright yellow flowers in the summer. The plant can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in sandy or loamy soil in early spring or fall. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. can also be propagated through vegetative methods like division and cuttings.
Division: The plant can be divided in the spring or fall. The clumps should be dug up, and the roots should be separated. Each division should have several stems and roots. The divided plants can be replanted in well-drained soil.
Cuttings: Another way to propagate Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season. The stems should be cut just below the node and should be approximately 4 inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in moist soil. It should be kept in a shaded area until roots develop.
With proper care, Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. can be propagated through these methods and will grow well in a variety of conditions.
Disease Management
Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. is generally resistant to most diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as Rust and Powdery Mildew. Rust can be identified by yellow to brown or black spots that appear on the leaves, while Powdery Mildew can be identified by white or grayish powdery patches on the leaves.
To manage Rust and Powdery Mildew, it is essential to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid planting it in areas with high humidity. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease; however, it is recommended to use them as a last resort as they can harm beneficial insects that help control other pests.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. include Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Slugs. Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and curled leaves. Flea Beetles, on the other hand, chew small holes in the leaves and can cause severe damage to the plant. Slugs feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed properly.
To manage Aphids, it is essential to regularly inspect the plants. They can be removed by simply spraying them with a strong jet of water. Ladybugs and lacewings also help control Aphids naturally. Flea Beetles can be managed by spraying a mixture of neem oil and insecticidal soap on the plant. Slugs can be controlled by placing copper wire around the base of the plant or by setting up slug traps with beer or yeast mixed with sugar and water.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly to ensure any pest infestations are detected early. Always opt for natural pest control options and avoid using harmful chemicals that can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
