This tall, sprawling perennial with flowers like fried eggs rapidly fills an empty space.
For one, it gets very tall and wide, hence its other common name, tree poppy.
The eye-catching flowers resemble fried eggs, which earned it another common name, fried egg flower.
The foliage is a soft blue-green.
The plant is native to a relatively small area in the American Southwest.
Where to Plant Matilija Poppy
Plant Matilija poppy in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
The soil pH can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
It is an especially good choice for stabilizing banks and preventing erosion.
Because it is drought-tolerant after it is established, it is also a good choice for axeriscape garden.
Once established, though, watch out!
Before removing this poppy from its nursery container, water it well.
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
This solution can be as simple as planting it in a pot that is sunk into the ground.
Leave at least 6 feet of distance to neighboring plants.
Light
Matilija poppy does best infull sunbut it will also bloom in dappled shade.
Once the plant is established, the plant is drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity
Matilija poppy thrives in warm dry weather.
It is not winter-hardy below zone 7.
The very hot and humid summers in the American southeast are not good growing conditions for the plant.
Fertilizer
Matilija poppy does not require fertilization.
Pruning
Matilija poppy usually goes dormant in the heat of summer or in the fall.
At that point, cut the stalks back to 3 to 4 inches above ground level.
The plant will regrow in the spring.
Pests and Problems
Except forpowdery mildew,Matilija poppy is not commonly affected by pests and diseases.
How to Propagate Matilija Poppy
Matilija poppy is tricky to propagate.
Their tough roots control erosion and the shrubs are drought-tolerant.
It is native to southern California and Arizona.
It has large white flower clusters in the spring.
This native of Southern California and Arizona is drought-tolerant and even grows in clay soil.
It is blanketed with showy yellow blossoms in spring.
It’s packed with sun-loving, summer-blooming perennials.
The blooms often last until the first frost, and their seed heads hold up well into winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matilija poppy makes a striking but short-lived cut flower.
Harvest blossoms while they are still in the bud stage.
Recut each stem right before adding it to a vase.
Expect blossoms to last about three days before they start dropping pollen and petals.
