CALIFORNIAN
TREE POPPY
Family PAPAVERACEAE
Romneya species
Perennial
Distinct and beautiful plants, native to California
and hardy in most parts of Britain.
Romneya coulteri is the best-known species, with elegantly
cut poppy-like leaves, glaucose green and about
four inches long.
The fragrant flowers are like large single white
Poppies, about six inches across, with a bunch
of yellow anthers at the centre; it will reach
a height of five to six feet under good cultivation.
Romneya trichocalyx is very similar but less tall.
Romneya hybrida has flowers almost identical with those
of the foregoing, but is the freest flowering
of the genus and the most satisfactory for gardens.
A sunny position at the base of a south wall,
where the soil is well drained and some protection
may be given in severe winters, is ideal.
The soil must be well drained and moderately rich
in humus.
Once established, the plants will not transplant
satisfactorily and should be allowed to remain
undisturbed.
Plant from pots in spring.
Propagate by root cuttings or from seed.
The flowering season is from June to September.
See Also : Poppy |
