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The Californian tree poppy (Romneya coulteri, also called the Matilija poppy) is a spectacle that I enjoy seeing every summer. If I had a larger garden I’d be tempted to grow it, but my garden isn’t very big. (Despite how it may sound when I talk about all the plants I try to shoe-horn into it!)
Romneya flowers are up to 8 inches across and, on a plant that grows up to around 7 feet high, they make a stunning display. Their tissue-light, crinkly petals have an airy, almost fly-away look, as if they’re only held down by the mass of golden stamens at their centre. Against a background of their own glaucous leaves, the flowers look cool and delightful on a hot summer day.
It’s probably a good thing that I know my garden isn’t big enough to accommodate the Californian tree poppy, because these plants can spread invasively once established. I’ve read of them sending up shoots long distances from the plant itself and the rhizomes can spread under patios and garden buildings…not ideal unless you have a lot of space!
I’m glad I managed to photograph these frilly blooms in the middle of last month. The plant had been in flower for what felt like a long time, but every one had gone when I visited a couple of days ago. So I will have a long wait before I see these beauties again!
Ann Mackay: Inspired by Nature 