Romneya coulteri, Matilija Poppy

This California native's gray-green, deeply cut foliage and gold-centered, crepe-papery-white flowers will dazzle any onlooker. Yes, kind of like fried eggs, but that slightly dishonors this gorgeous flower. An egg should be so lucky. (Yes, okay, eggs are beautiful, too.) Its stature is grand—at least 4-8 feet tall and spreading. Once established, no summer water! Most likely to succeed in VERY well-drained conditions. If your soil is heavy, consider creating a mound or berm with lots of gravel worked in.

This can be a challenging plant to get established but is worth the effort. It's a plant for persistent gardeners who realize plants can die for no apparent reason. It took three tries to establish the plant that has been growing for many years here at Dancing Oaks. 

Transplant very carefully, do not massage the roots- gently place the undisturbed rootball in a predug hole. Fall planting is recommended, but spring works too. Water weekly for the first summer.  No water is required in subsequent years.

If given its full space, Romneya coulteri will grow 6-8 ft tall and spreading; if planted with another large competitive perennial or shrub, like some ornamental grasses, it will grow closer to 4 ft tall and weave through the garden bed. 

Minimum temperature: 0° F