Botanical Name: Romneya coulteri
Common Name: Matilija poppy
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub
Character semi-deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape clumping habit of many erect stems, forms a broadly rounded canopy – stems die back close to ground in winter in colder habitats – large, loose and invasive
Height 3-6' (10')
Spread 6-15'
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun
Soil tolerates most except poorly drained
Hardiness hardy (zones 5-10, 12-24); best in warm locations
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, ovate with irregular clefts, lobes pointed-leaves 3-6" long, blue/gray/green, mostly 3-5 lobed
Flowers spectacularly large, 6-9" wide, 5-6 white petals and central cluster of yellow stamens – solitary, terminal axillary – May-July
Fruit 1" long capsule
 
Propagation:
seed, root cuttings (winter-Dec.)
 
Usage:
large filler/background for flower display; slopes, erosion control; can send out long runners and be invasive if unchecked
 
Landscape Care:
Watering occasionally deep soak; needs virtually no summer watering after established
Fertilizing none
Pruning cut back old stems close to ground during winter
Pests/Diseases relatively free; root rot where drainage is poor
Special Conditions/Other best planted in fall/winter; spring plantings may rot
 
Origin: Southern California/ Baja
Family: Papaveraceae

Notes:
 
PDF
Your pictures go here