All flowers
California Tree Poppy Wikimedia Commons
Papaveraceae

California Tree Poppy

Romneya coulteri

Grandeur and purity.

Family
Papaveraceae
Genus
Romneya
Native to
Southern California, Baja California
Bloom season
Summer
Type
perennial subshrub
Height
5-8 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
Well-drained, sandy, poor soil
Water
low
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • California tree poppy produces the largest flowers of any native California plant, with blooms reaching 6 inches across.
  • The crinkled white petals surround a large golden center of stamens, earning it the nickname 'fried egg plant.'
  • Once established, it spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and can be nearly impossible to remove from a garden.
  • The flowers have an intense sweet fragrance often compared to apricots that can perfume an entire garden area.
  • It is notoriously difficult to propagate from seed but spreads readily once established, earning a reputation as a garden thug.

Color meanings

0

magnificence

1

purity

2

dreams

Uses

  • drought-tolerant garden
  • large border specimen
  • slope planting