PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, unshaded meadow or border sites; avoid dense shade
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; tolerate short periods of drought but perform best with consistent moisture during flowering
Temperature
Hardy to mild frost (down to -10°C); prefers cool temperate growing conditions; avoid extreme heat above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Deeply lobed, fern-like basal leaves; smaller clasping stem leaves with sparse hairs
- Flower: Bright orange-red crumpled petals with a dark basal spot; long, slender upright flower stalks
- Stem: Slender, branching, hairy upright stems that exude milky sap when broken
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks during active growth. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flower production over foliage growth
Composted coffee grounds tea：Brew fully composted coffee grounds in water at a 1:20 ratio; strain solids before applying as a root drench to avoid pest attraction and root burnPruning
- Deadhead spent flower heads regularly to encourage extended blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding
- Remove yellowing or diseased foliage promptly to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Cut back the entire plant to ground level after flowering to allow self-seeding for the next growing season
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and mild sedation
Humans: Contains mild alkaloid toxins; ingestion may cause nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset in large quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes remembrance and quiet resilience in some European folk traditions
Usage: Ornamental wildflower for meadow plantings; historically used in limited medicinal applications (regulated due to alkaloid content)
