Platystemon californicus

RHS Plant Profile
cream cups

Other common names

Californian poppy

Annual Biennial

A variable species of annual, to around 30cm high, with a branching, spreading habit and linear to lance-shaped, hairy grey-green leaves. Solitary, poppy-like, cream or pale yellow flowers, sometimes with golden yellow markings on the petals, are produced on slender stems in spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in very light, well drained soil in full sun, flowering is reduced in high humidity

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead where seed is not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free