Romneya coulteri
(Californian Tree Poppy)
Family - Papaveraceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Southwestern California, Mexico
Year of Introduction - 1875
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - 2m or more
Width - 1m or more
Location - The White Garden
Description: A suckering Perennial with tall, upright stems that become woody at the base with age. Attractive smooth, grey-green leaves are oval to lanceolate in shape with pinnatifid lobing. Large snow-white, saucer-shaped flowers have gently pleated petals. Each Bloom can reach 15cm across and has a prominent, globular central cluster of bright golden stamens. The flowers are fragrant and held singly atop upright stems. The Blooms are produced over a long period from midsummer into early autumn. Attractive to pollinating insects.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Large, saucer-shaped blooms are pure white with subtly pleated petals. At the centre of each bloom is a large, globular cluster of bright golden stamens. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced from July into September. Each flower can reach 15cm across.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Saucer-shaped flowers held singly
Flowering time: July, August, September
Foliage:
Smooth grey-green leaves are oval to lanceolate in shape with pinnatifid lobing. The leaves are Alternately arranged on tall, upright stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Oval to lanceolate with pinnatifid lobing
Propagation:
Cuttings, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun in fertile soil that is well drained. Romneya coulteri does not like to be disturbed, especially when young.