Romneya Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 24th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Romneya plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Romneya plants have large, showy white flowers that resemble fried eggs. These perennial plants can be useful in drier areas.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun with a well-draining soil. They're best suited for warm climates and are tolerate drought once established.
- General Care: Water young plants regularly, watering should be reduced as they mature. Pruning in late winter can encourage new growth and more blooms.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Matilija poppies are relatively easy to care for, but can become invasive in some conditions. It's best to plant in an area where its spread can be controlled. Watch out for aphids, although they're rarely a major concern.
Matilija Poppy, and Tree Poppy: Cultivation & Garden Use
Romneya species are half hardy perennials that range from three to six feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) in height. They have a woody nature, and bloom with flowers reminiscent of poppies in the summer and early autumn.
Some of the common names for members of this genus include Romneya include Matilija poppy and California Tree poppy.
Romneya coulteri by scott.zona.
How to Grow Romneya Matilija Poppy
Romneya plants prefer to grow in warm climates. These poppy seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch (6 mm) following the last spring frost. They prefer to grow in sunny areas and like an average dry soil.
If starting off indoors, then sow seeds in peat pots about two months before the last spring frost is expected.
They should take about a month to germinate at 54 to 59°F (12 to 15°C). Once established, transfer them outdoors at a spacing of two to three feet (60 to 90 cm) for smaller species or five feet (1.5 m) for larger ones.
Caring for Romneya in the Garden
Once growing it may take some attention to look after Romneya plants, but not because of any serious issues. They are very easy to grow but difficult to control. It is usually necessary to prune at the roots to stop Romneya members from spreading. If you require more plants then propagate from the root suckers, or just let them do their thing.
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Romneya Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Matilija poppy (Coulter's; Bristly), Tree poppy, Fried egg plant.
- Life Cycle: Half-hardy perennial.
- Height: 36 to 96 inches (90—240 cm).
- Native: Northern and central America.
- Growing Region: Zones 7 to 10.
- Flowers: Summer through early autumn.
- Flower Details: Poppy-like. Large. White with yellow centers.
- Foliage: Subshrub. Silvery green. Deeply cut. Hairy margins.
- Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6 mm) Spring - after the last frost.
- Sow Inside: Germination time: one month. Temperature: 60°F (15°C). Use peat pots. Mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify for a couple of days by refrigeration. Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost. Spacing 24 inches (60 cm) for smaller species, up to six feet (180 cm) for larger plants.
- Requirements and care: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Average soil. Light watering during prolonged dry spells. Drought tolerant. Propagate: by planting 2.5 inch (6 cm) root suckers.
- Family: Papaveraceae
- Closely Related Species: Poppies and Lamprocapnos.
- Miscellaneous: This genus is named after the celebrated Irish astronomer John Thomas Romney Robinson. May become invasive, if so prune the roots to prevent spreading. Often found in burnt out areas following a forest fire. Romneya coulteri has the largest flowers of any native Californian plant.
Common Questions
How many members does the Romneya genus contain?
The Romneya genus contains just two species, known for their distinctive poppy-like flowers.
Do Romneya members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Romneya species, with their striking white flowers and bluish-green foliage, can make a dramatic statement in the garden. They're especially good for dry, sunny areas.
Which Romneya species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Both species, Romneya coulteri (Coulter's Matilija poppy) and Romneya trichocalyx (Bristly Matilija poppy) are grown for their large, white, poppy-like flowers.
Are Romneya plants fragrant?
Yes, Romneya flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance, often described as similar to apricots.
What is the perfect location to grow Romneya?
Romneya thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can cope with poor soil conditions.
Is Romneya invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Although Romneya coulteri shows invasive tendencies due to its rapid spread via rhizomes, it is not currently considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Romneya plants from my garden?
Removing Romneya can be a challenge as it regrows from underground rhizomes. Dig up all plant material, including roots, and monitor the area for new growth.
Summary
Romneya genus contains the Tree poppies. Plants from this genus are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. These shrubs produce beautiful, large white flowers with a yellow center, a trait that makes them very attractive to gardeners.
Tree poppies require full sun and a well-drained, fertile soil. They should be planted in the spring and will thrive with regular watering and occasional pruning. Their preference for sunny, dry climates makes them a suitable choice for xeriscaping.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Romneya. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Dicentra spectabili and Meconopsis grandis.
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