Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Romneya coulteri
Matilija Poppy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Height
- 5 to 8 feet
- Width
- 4 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Large white crepe like petals surrounding a dense cluster of golden yellow stamens
- Foliage color
- Blue gray deeply lobed leaves with a matte texture
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate moisture in well drained soil
- Maintenance
- Moderate; provide space for spreading underground rhizomes and cut stems to the ground in late fall
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Romneya coulteri forms upright stems clothed in glaucous blue green leaves that are deeply cut and softly textured, giving the plant a bold yet airy presence. In late spring through summer, immense white flowers unfold at the tips of the stems, each bloom displaying crinkled petals surrounding a dense boss of golden stamens that create a dramatic focal point.
Native to southern California and northern Mexico, it inhabits dry hillsides and drought tolerant landscapes. In garden settings, it is used as a backdrop in sunny borders and naturalistic plantings, where its expansive flowers and architectural foliage provide seasonal emphasis.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
