The California Poppy is a beautiful plant native to the United States and Mexico. It also has the nicknames California Sunlight and Cup of Gold. This ornamental flower can be used medicinally and in cooking and is the state flower of California. It can reach a mature growth height of 5 to 60 inches.
The Charming Foliage Of California Poppy
The foliage is blue-green, with long stems and leaves segmented into round lobes. The flowers grow each on one stem and have four petals for every flower. The petals grow 2 to 6 cm and differ in color from yellow to orange to red. They flower for most of the year, from spring through fall. The petals also close up each night and reopen in the morning when the sun comes out. If it is a cloudy day, the petals may remain closed.
Growing The California Poppy
The California Poppy can usually survive winters and come back in the spring, but it typically dies in the harshest of cold climates. This is why it is considered a perennial in warmer areas and an annual in freezing areas. This flower can grow in all planting zones from 3 to 9. It is usually fast-growing, but it depends on the habitat, with the amount of sunlight it receives being the most significant factor.
The optimal soil temperature is relatively high at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilizer hurts the production of flowers. The plant prefers nutrient-poor and well-drained soils.
Using The California Poppy In Landscaping
Used in landscaping, the California poppy will grow well in an elevated rock garden with boulders and a very sandy soil mixture. This will ensure plenty of drainage and keep most moisture away from the plants. Grown right, the California Poppy will provide a beautifully vibrant pop of color to any landscape.