Matilija Poppy
Romneya coulteri
Also known as Coulter's Matilija Poppy, California Tree-poppy
Climate Match for your location
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A California native shrub prized for its large, fragrant white flowers with golden stamens that bloom in late spring and early summer. Drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal water.
Why grow it
Matilija poppy offers larger, more dramatic flowers than most native California shrubs suited to drought conditions, making it valuable where bold seasonal color is desired without supplemental irrigation after establishment. Its tolerance for poor, well-drained soils and minimal fertilizer needs align well with water-conserving landscape design, though it requires more heat and aridity than many commonly cultivated ornamentals.
Watch out for
This plant can spread aggressively via underground rhizomes in favorable conditions, making it difficult to contain or remove once established. It demands excellent drainage and performs poorly in humid climates or where water lingers around the root zone. Young plants are tender and may require frost protection in colder regions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southern California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native shrub prized for its large, fragrant white flowers with golden stamens that bloom in late spring and early summer. Drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal water.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Matilija Poppy grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Matilija poppy offers larger, more dramatic flowers than most native California shrubs suited to drought conditions, making it valuable where bold seasonal color is desired without supplemental irrigation after establishment. Its tolerance for poor, well-drained soils and minimal fertilizer needs align well with water-conserving landscape design, though it requires more heat and aridity than many commonly cultivated ornamentals.
Watch out for
This plant can spread aggressively via underground rhizomes in favorable conditions, making it difficult to contain or remove once established. It demands excellent drainage and performs poorly in humid climates or where water lingers around the root zone. Young plants are tender and may require frost protection in colder regions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southern California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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