Romneya, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Matilija poppies
Southern California and Baja California
Overview
Romneya is a genus of one or two species of suckering subshrubs in the poppy family Papaveraceae, native to southern California and Baja California, and known as Matilija or fried-egg poppies. From woody-based, spreading roots the plants send up grey-green, deeply lobed stems 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 m) tall that form broad, colonizing clumps. In summer the stems carry very large flowers, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) across, with crinkled, papery white petals surrounding a dense boss of golden-yellow stamens, and lightly fragrant. The blue-green foliage is drought-adapted, and plants tolerate heat, drought, and poor, rocky soil once established. Native to chaparral and dry washes, R. coulteri grows in disturbed, sunny ground and resprouts vigorously after fire. Established plants spread aggressively by underground runners and are slow and difficult to transplant, so they are sited where they can roam. The top growth dies back in cold winters, and the plant regrows from the root in spring.
Native Range
Romneya is native to southern California and northern Baja California in Mexico, where it grows in dry chaparral, canyon slopes, and gravelly washes. It often colonizes disturbed and burned ground in these summer-dry regions.Suggested Uses
Romneya is grown in dry, sunny borders, on banks, and in large native and Mediterranean-style gardens for its large white summer flowers and grey foliage. Its suckering habit suits wild and erosion-prone areas where it has room to spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Romneya flowers through summer, roughly May to July, with large white blooms opening in succession over several weeks. The flowers are lightly fragrant and draw bees. After bloom the stems set seed capsules and the foliage begins to die back toward autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with yellow centerFoliage Description
Grey-green to blue-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
Romneya grows in full sun and free-draining soil, tolerating drought, heat, and poor or rocky ground once established. New plants are slow and tricky to establish and resent root disturbance, so they are set out small from pots and left undisturbed. Once settled, plants spread strongly by underground runners and can travel well beyond their original spot. Watering is sparing once established, as summer drought suits the plant and wet soil causes rot. Top growth dies back in cold winters and regrows from the root, and stems are cut to the ground in late winter. Little feeding is needed in reasonable soil.Pruning
Romneya is cut back hard, close to the ground, in late winter or early autumn after flowering, which renews the clump and removes tired stems. Spreading runners are dug out to limit the colony where space is short. Hard pruning suits this resprouting subshrub.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February
winter
