Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Eschscholzia californica

Image of Eschscholzia californica

Jesse Saylor

Family

Papaveraceae

Botanical Name

Eschscholzia californica

Plant Common Name

California Poppy

General Description

What would the California landscape be without blankets of golden orange California poppies? These tough wildflower jewels are equally becoming in the garden and there are quite a few interesting cultivars to choose from. California poppy is a variable species native grasslands of California and Oregon, though it has become naturalized in other parts of the country. It may survive as an annual or short-lived perennial and is very easy to grow if given the correct cultural requirements.

The lacy blue-green or gray-green leaves of this poppy form appealing windswept clumps. Its brilliantly colored, silky poppies flower in spring and summer. The fragrant flowers are pollinated by beetles, bees and other insect pollinators. Like many poppies, the flowers close at night and remain closed on dark, cloudy days. California poppy fruits are small seed capsules that pepper the ground with viable seed. Pinch the spent flowers back to encourage continuous, heavy bloom.

Wildflowers such as this are tough and drought tolerant. Full sun and well-drained soil with average fertility are needed for best performance. This poppy will self-sow, so plant it where it can naturalize. It is ideal for spring and summer border, formal or informal. It looks most beautiful in massive, naturalistic sweeps. It also adds color to tough urban landscapes and roadside plantings.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm (8)

  • Width

    6"-10" / 15.2cm - 25.4cm (8)

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Western United States, California

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Orange, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Blue Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green, Blue Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green, Blue Green, Gray Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes