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Description
Papaver Somniferum Lilac Pompom, commonly known as the Lilac Pompom Poppy, is a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is an annual plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. The Lilac Pompom Poppy produces gorgeous blooms that are pale lilac in color and resemble fluffy pom poms. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, and each bloom can last for up to a week.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Papaver |
Appearance
The Lilac Pompom Poppy has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. Its stems are slender and hairy, and its leaves are lobed and grayish-green in color. The flowers are the highlight of the plant, with their large, round, and fluffy pom pom shape. They are pale lilac in color and have a diameter of around 4 inches. The Lilac Pompom Poppy produces a large number of flowers, making it a great plant for creating a stunning display in your garden.
Care Guide
The Lilac Pompom Poppy is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are the key things to keep in mind:Water: The Lilac Pompom Poppy prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The Lilac Pompom Poppy does not require much fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season should be sufficient.Soil: The Lilac Pompom Poppy prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding compost to improve drainage.Sunlight: The Lilac Pompom Poppy prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Lilac Pompom Poppy is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lilac Pompom Poppy is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are a few things to watch out for:Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and curled leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves of the plant. Use slug bait or copper tape to keep them at bay.Gray Mold: This fungal disease can cause the leaves and stems of the plant to rot. Remove any infected plant parts and improve air circulation to prevent the spread of gray mold.
Habitat
The Lilac Pompom Poppy is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in rocky or gravelly soil. It prefers mild climates with cool summers and mild winters. In the wild, it can be found growing in meadows, along roadsides, and in other disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow the Lilac Pompom Poppy in a container?
A: Yes, the Lilac Pompom Poppy can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How long do the flowers of the Lilac Pompom Poppy last?
A: The flowers of the Lilac Pompom Poppy can last for up to a week.
Q: Is the Lilac Pompom Poppy a perennial or an annual?
A: The Lilac Pompom Poppy is an annual plant.
Q: Does the Lilac Pompom Poppy attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the Lilac Pompom Poppy is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are a few other plants that are related to the Lilac Pompom Poppy:
- Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy)
- Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)
- Papaver nudicaule (Icelandic Poppy)
References
- “Papaver Somniferum Lilac Pompom.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292049&isprofile=0&basic=Papaver%20somniferum%20lilac%20pompom.
- “Papaver Somniferum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17634/papaver-somniferum/details.
- “Papaver Somniferum ‘Lilac Pompom’.” Plant Lust, plantlust.com/plants/14909/papaver-somniferum-lilac-pompom.
