Romneya coulteri (Matilija Poppy)

Vigorous and bushy, Romneya coulteri (Californian Tree Poppy) is a spectacular shrub-like perennial that gets covered with apricot scented, large flowers, measuring up to 9 in. across (22 cm). Each flower features 5-6 crepe paper, crinkled, pure white petals surrounding a glowing ball of golden stamens. They are borne on thick stems adorned with deeply cut, attractive gray-green leaves. This beautiful California native typically blooms from late spring to early summer, or to late summer if watered, and dies back nearly to the ground by fall.

• Romneya coulteri grows up to 6-8 ft. high and wide (180-240 cm). Spreading by underground rhizomes, it can pop up 5, 10, or 20 ft. away from the original plant and can become invasive in small gardens. ‘White Cloud‘ cultivar is very floriferous and more restrained than the species.
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun or dappled light. It flourishes with little water and tolerates many types of soils. Mulch deeply prior to winter.
• Drought tolerant and deer resistant
• Grow against a warm, sunny wall protected from cold winds. Great for banks and slopes (as soil binder), beds and borders, cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Give it lots of space along dry edges of the garden. Plant with large shrubs that can outcompete it for space and sun such as large Ceanothus, Sugarbush, large Coffeeberry or Fremontodendron.
• Caterpillars and powdery mildews may be a problem
• Easy to grow once established, this plant dislikes transplanting and is difficult to propagate. Propagate by basal cuttings in spring, root cuttings in winter or propagate by seed sown in spring