California Tree Poppy

A show-stopper for the larger Mediterranean garden, Romneya coulteri is famous for its enormous, papery white flowers that can reach up to 15cm across. Each bloom features a central 'boss' of bright golden-yellow stamens, earned it the nickname 'Fried Egg Plant'. The foliage is equally attractive, consisting of deeply cut, glaucous blue-grey leaves. This is a vigorous, suckering sub-shrub that can become quite large once established, so it needs plenty of room. In the UK, it requires the sunniest, warmest spot available to flower well and prefers poor, well-drained soil where its spread can be somewhat contained. It is hardy to H4 but can be temperamental to establish; once it finds a spot it likes, it is very difficult to move. The stems are usually cut to the ground in late winter to encourage fresh, vigorous growth. The scent is subtle but pleasant, and the flowers are highly attractive to bees. It thrives in the rain shadow of a wall.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.