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Description:

California's state flower, the gray green foliage forms a ferny rosette topped by flower stalks producing dazzling golden blooms that emerge for several weeks; cut down plants for reblooming flush; often grown as an annual in colder climates

Ornamental Features

California Poppy has masses of beautiful gold cup-shaped flowers with yellow edges at the ends of the stems from late spring to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive ferny leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

California Poppy is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Self-Seeding

California Poppy is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

California Poppy will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 14 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.