Latin: Eschscholzia californica
Plant type: Perennial
Size: 18”x18”
Light: Full sun
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate water
Zone: 8 to 10
The state flower of California, the California Poppy is the quintessential wildflower of the region. It is easy to grow and works well in a meadow or a rock garden, massed on a slope, or in a perennial bed in an English or country garden. The four-petaled, 2” wide, pale yellow to brilliant orange flowers, blooming in spring and summer, contrast beautifully with the finely divided, soft, blue-green foliage. Although it is a perennial, because it is frequently short-lived it is often grown as an annual. In favorable sites it naturalizes freely.
The California Poppy needs full sun, well-drained soil, and little water. Some summer irrigation and dead-heading before seeds are produced will extend the blooming period. For best success, grow from seed; transplanted seedlings do not perform well. Broadcast the seed on prepared soil in the autumn.
Create a meadow with poppies, lupines, and native grasses. Include poppies in a country garden, in a mixed border, or allow them to naturalize on a sunny slope.
Go to California Poppy Main Page.