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Dendromecon spp.
Overview
Dendromecon spp. is a genus of two evergreen shrubs in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to the chaparral and coastal scrub of California and Baja California. D. rigida, the bush poppy, grows 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m) tall, while the island bush poppy D. harfordii from the Channel Islands can reach 20 feet (6 m). Both carry stiff, leathery, blue-grey to grey-green lance-shaped leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long on woody, upright stems. From spring into summer they bear bright yellow four-petalled poppy flowers 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) across, held singly on slender stalks above the foliage. The seeds are stored in long narrow capsules and are stimulated to germinate by heat and chemicals from wildfire, so the shrubs appear in large numbers on recently burned chaparral slopes and then decline as the canopy closes. They grow on dry, rocky, sharply drained ground and are damaged by wet, heavy soil and prolonged irrigation. In gardens they are short-lived and exacting about drainage, and they decline if their roots are disturbed once established. The yellow flowers and grey foliage are grown in dry, water-wise plantings within their climate range.
Native Range
Native to California and Baja California, in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and dry foothill slopes, with the island bush poppy restricted to the Channel Islands.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry, water-wise and native gardens, on hot banks, and in chaparral restoration where summer water is withheld. The grey foliage and yellow flowers suit gravel gardens and rocky slopes in mild-winter regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 20'
Width/Spread4' - 10'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs mainly from spring into early summer, roughly April to July, with scattered flowers at other times in mild conditions. Each flower lasts a few days and the shrub blooms over many weeks. Flowering is heaviest on young plants and on stands regenerating after fire.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
blue-grey to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun and sharp, free-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil with a near-neutral to alkaline pH of 6.0-8.0. Once established, plants need no summer water and are damaged by irrigation and by wet, poorly drained ground. They tolerate heat, drought, and poor soils but are frost-tender, surviving in USDA zones 8-10. Little or no fertiliser is required. Plants are left undisturbed where possible, as they transplant poorly and recover slowly from root disturbance. Many are naturally short-lived, persisting several years before being replaced from seed.Pruning
A light trim after flowering keeps the shrub dense and removes spent seed capsules. Cutting into old bare wood often fails to reshoot, so trimming stays within leafy growth. Dead or frost-damaged stems are removed as they appear.Pruning Schedule
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summer