The Matilija poppy is
called egg poppy and the botanical name is Romneya coulteri. The flowers are
about six to eight inches across with 5 to 6 petals. The petals are wide and
they are pure white and they are made of delicate crepe paper. Also the stamens
in the center form a perfect circle of vivid yellow. The Matilija poppy plant
came very close to being named the state flower of California, narrowly losing
to the California poppy. Continue reading to learn more about growing Matilija
poppies plants.
Planting Matilija Poppy
The Matilija poppy plants
are actually native to California and they are also drought tolerant. The
Matilija poppy plants are famous for being both hard to grow and invasive and
the care of the plants can be tricky to figure out at first. The plant need
full sun and they prefer well-draining soil, but they will also tolerate some
clay. It’s hard to actually know just what the plant will deem a suitable spot,
but once the plant finds a place it likes, it will take hold. It is actually
because of this that is why Matilija poppy planting should be reserved for
large gardens where they will have room to spread out. Because of their
extensive root system, the plants are good at preventing soil erosion and they
are ideal on a sunny bank prone to runoff.
How to Grow Matilija
Poppies Plants
Actually the Matilija
poppy plants do not transplant well from one spot to another. One of the best
ways to add them to your garden is to start with a small plant in a nursery pot that’s
not bigger than a gallon. Just dig a hole as deep as the pot and twice as wide.
Then fill it with water and also let it drain. Water the Matilija poppy plant
in its pot as well. Carefully cut the pot away (as the plant roots
are delicate and may not survive being pulled out of the pot) and then plant it
in its new home. Water your new Matilija poppy plant at least once per week
while it’s getting established. The Matilija poppy plants actually spread by
rhizomes, you need to bury some sheets of metal around the plant to help
contain its takeover of your garden.
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