Eschscholzia californica

California poppy
A vigorous bushy, spreading annual to 30cm, with finely divided blue-green leaves and orange, yellow or red flowers to 7cm across in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Orange Red Yellow | Blue Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Eschscholzia can be annuals or perennials, with finely divided leaves and solitary, long-stalked, poppy-like yellow, orange or red flowers, followed by conspicuous long seed-pods
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA, India
How to grow
Cultivation
Will thrive in poor, well-drained soil but they need full sun for the flowers to open. Can be grown as a drought-tolerant pot plant. Good for exposed or coastal areas
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in succession from mid-spring onwards
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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