Happy Matilija Poppy
One of my favorite shrubs is the perennial garden beauty, Matilija Poppy, Romneya coulteri. It blooms in May and seems to “smile sunshine” with its huge whimsical “fried egg-like” flowers sitting atop gray-green lobed foliage. It is wise to have ample room for Matilija Poppy in your garden as it can reach 6-8′ tall, and spread easily if unchecked by rhizomes over a large area. When it blooms in my garden, I’m reminded it is late spring and the onset of summer is fast approaching.
The Matilija Poppy is native to coastal ranges and valleys of Southern California and into Baja California. It likes full sun and survives on scant to moderate watering. This shrub can tolerate many types of soils. The Matilija Poppy thrives in zones 4-12, 14-24. Matilija Poppies are simple maintenance, needing a pruning close to the ground in late summer to early fall, and restraint from summer watering to keep its growth curbed. Slowly they begin to grow through the fall and winter, and suddenly in May, burst into bloom with their gigantic flowers.
Best places to plant your Matilija Poppy in your garden or property is as a structure and backdrop shrub, along a fence line, along roadsides, and when planting a large border or natural area. Ironically, it is a little tricky to start them initially in your garden, but once established they easily can take over. In fact, it took me three times, before I successfully established my Matilija Poppies. Start your Matilija Poppy from 1 gallon size plants from your local nursery, or from rooted suckers on spreading roots from a friend’s garden. If you have Matilija Poppies growing in your garden, you will gladly want to share them with your friends.
Matilija Poppy’s flowers are big, bold, and full of character in your garden. Matilija Poppies can be used as as a cut flower, too. As a cut flower, be aware that it has a tendency to drop dust from its golden stamens and an occasional white petal.
Please share if you are familiar with the Matilija Poppy. If you grow them in your garden, please share how you curb their enthusiastic runners.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I noticed some of these as I was taking my walk around the pond where I work. I also noticed pesky earwigs munching on the petals. Do you know of any repellent for earwigs? I’m having a terrible time with them in my home garden.
Maybelline, sometimes earwigs are not all bad as they eat aphids and other insects, etc. Make sure your garden is free of weeds, and dead foliage where they like to hide. Try placing empty small cat cans with 1/4″ oil in them around where you have seen them. Also, if you rollup several sheets of damp newspaper or corrugated cardboard, make a knot and place at night near where they are. Dispose of damp newspaper knots or cardboard in the morning along with earwigs which were attracted to them. Thanks for your great question…VintageGardenGal
I killed a half dozen before one took hold. It is GIGANTIC! I hope it fills the entire canyon.
Lydia, once they get started, they are so striking in mass. They would be nice in a canyon. Thanks for your great comment…VintageGardenGal
I like your pages. Question for you – what would be the best place to purchase the matilja poppies?
Lisa, depending on where you live, most local nurseries now carry the matilija poppy in one gallons. You have an even better chance at a nursery which carries a lot of native plants. Also, try googling it on the internet for mail order, if all else fails. You must have them in your garden….VintagegGardenGal
HI there
I am on my third round to try this spring… keeping my finger crossed!
I purchased at Tree of Life Nursery but have seen that our other nurseries too.
Dana, it took me a few times before my matilija poppies took. Once they are established they can spread like crazy….VintageGardenGal
Hi!
I have matilija poppies which were here when we purchased our house. Everyone who see’s them loves them and I’ve tried several times to propegate with no luck! They are so beautiful and are growing ramped in my garden, spreading every year!
Anna, Matilija poppies are hard to get started. It took me three times. Once they are established, they will spread quickly, so share them with friends, too. Matilija poppies convey a crisp, sunny, and dramatic look. Thanks for sharing…VintageGardenGal