Romneya Coulteri

Romneya Coulteri, also known as the ‘Californian Tree Poppy’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a striking perennial plant native to southern California and northern Mexico. It belongs to the family Papaveraceae and is closely related to other poppies.

This is a large, bushy plant that can grow up to 2.5 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide. It has deep-green, lobed leaves that can grow up to 30cm long. The plant produces large, showy flowers that can reach up to 23 cm in diameter, making it one of the largest flowers of any native North American plant.

The flowers are pure white with a yellow centre and delicate, crinkled petals that resemble crepe paper. They bloom from late Spring to early Summer and have a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate some shade and poor soil conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be grown in a variety of climates, including Mediterranean, desert, and coastal.

The plant is known for its aggressive growth and can spread quickly through underground rhizomes. It is often grown as a specimen plant or in mass plantings, but it can also be used in mixed borders or as a backdrop for smaller plants. Because of its size and spreading habit, it is best planted in large, open areas.

In summary, this is a striking, large perennial plant that produces showy white flowers with a sweet fragrance. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions and is a great addition to any garden or landscape.

How to care for your Romneya Coulteri

• Sun and soil requirements: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil, but it can also tolerate some shade and poor soil conditions. It is important to make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid root rot.
• Watering: The plant is drought-tolerant once established and only needs to be watered occasionally during dry periods. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as it can be susceptible to root rot.
• Fertilisation: Does not require fertilisation, as it can grow well in poor soil conditions. However, you can add a slow-release fertiliser once a year if you want to promote better growth.
• Pruning: The plant does not require pruning, but you can deadhead the flowers once they have finished blooming to encourage more blooms.
• Propagation: The plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in the Autumn or early Spring. Make sure to replant the divided clumps immediately to avoid drying out.

Overall, Romneya Coulteri is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. With the proper care, it can produce beautiful, showy flowers year after year.