Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dendromecon rigida (Bush Poppy)

Tree Poppy, Bush Poppy, Californian Poppy Tree, Californian Tree Poppy


Dendromecon rigida (Bush Poppy) is a vigorous evergreen shrub of rounded habit with stiff, upright to arching branches sparsely clothed with alternate, narrowly lance-shaped, blue-green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm). A profusion of slightly fragrant, brilliant yellow, cup-shaped flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), smother the plant from spring to summer, and scattered blooms can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. A spectacular shrub worthy of inclusion in the landscape. A tough and most beautiful California native shrub that is easy to grow, gets very few pests and diseases, enjoys coastal influence, and is drought tolerant.

  • Usually grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 2-8 ft. wide (60-240 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in dry, well-drained rocky or clay soils. Tolerates clay soils as long as the plant received no water once established. Water once per month in summer after the plant is established. Tolerates salt spray, heat, and drought. Fire resistive. Place in a wind-sheltered area.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, wall-side borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean gardens. Great on rocky clay slopes with excellent draining.
  • Prune very lightly after flowering to keep neat. This shrub does not respond well to severe pruning.
  • No serious pest and disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed in spring or autumn - keep at 50-55°F (10-13°C). Propagate softwood cuttings in summer or by root cuttings in winter.
  • Native to California and Baja California.

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m)
Spread 2' – 8' (60cm – 240cm)
Spacing 60" – 96" (150cm – 240cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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CountryMouse13 (Flickr)

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m)
Spread 2' – 8' (60cm – 240cm)
Spacing 60" – 96" (150cm – 240cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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