Poppy ‘Garden Gnome’ is a compact Iceland poppy valued for its delicate, papery flowers and early-season color. The plant forms a small rosette of blue-green foliage from which slender stems rise bearing cup-shaped blooms in bright shades of orange, scarlet, yellow, and white. The silky petals surround a vivid yellow center, creating a cheerful display from late spring into summer. Because of its compact size and long flowering period, this poppy works well in borders, containers, and cottage-style gardens while also making an excellent cut flower.
- Size: Height: 25–30 cm (10–12 in). Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
- Flower size: ~5 cm (2 in) across
- Bloom time: Late spring to summer
- Light: Full sun to light partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
- Hardiness: Zones 2–8 (very cold hardy)
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Spacing: Plant 30–40 cm apart