Re: Romneya coulteri

Title: Re: Romneya coulteri
Romneya coulterii is native to dry canyons of Southern California.  That tells you that they require excellent drainage and are extremely heat and drought tolerant,  requiring no water in areas that have 11" or more rainfall -- except perhaps to get them started.   My "clump" is about 15 feet long and 10 feet deep, in almost sand with no water.  It is the result of TWO plants that have been in the ground about 6 years.

The challenge with Romneya -- also called Matillija poppy --  is in the planting.  Personally, I've never had a problem with them, but their reputation is that they hate to have their roots disturbed.  You might try cutting out the bottom of the can, planting them in the can and slicing down the can sides once it is in the hole. 

Matilijas spread like crazy, especially in well-drained soil.  The less water, the less they spread. 

In six years, I've only cut them back once, and it was NO FUN.  Kinda like cutting back a jungle.  That said, I will probably cut them back this year as they seem to bloom better after being cut back.

Propagation from seed is indeed a complex process that involves burning pine needles and chanting incantations.  More typically, plants are propagated from root cuttings taken in November/December.

All said, Romneya is a spectacular plant, well worth growing if you have room for it!


Nan
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Nan Sterman
San Diego County California
Sunset zone 24, USDA hardiness zone 10b or 11
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