Dendromecon rigida

RHS Plant Profile
tree poppy
tree poppy RHS 1999

Other common names

bush poppy, Californian poppy tree, Californian tree poppy

Shrubs

A vigorous evergreen shrub to 3m tall, with blue-green, ovate leaves 5-10cm long, and an abundance of slightly fragrant, bright yellow flowers 5-7cm wide from late spring to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Dendromecon are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery blue-green leaves and 4-petalled, poppy-like bright yellow flowers opening over a long period
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
California

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil and full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or autumn; keep at 10-13°C (50-55°C). Propagate softwood cuttings in summer or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1 in early spring. Remove winter damaged shoots or shorten weak or bare shoots. If wall trained - pruning group 13 after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free