Overview
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Eschscholzia, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden, wildlife gardens, banks and slopes, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' is a bushy annual or biennial cultivar of the Eschscholzia genus, belonging to the Papaveraceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres within a year. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. 'Orange King' is notable for its summer interest.
About the genus
Eschscholzia is a genus of 12 annual or perennial plants in the Papaveraceae (poppy) family. The genus was named after the Baltic German/Imperial Russian botanist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz (1793–1831). All species are native to Mexico or the southern United States.
Wikipedia contributors, "Eschscholzia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eschscholzia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eschscholzia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King'
- Propagation
- Seed sown direct and in succession from mid-spring onwards
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King'?
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' need?
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' grow?
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' hardy in the UK?
Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Eschscholzia californica 'Orange King'?
Seed sown direct and in succession from mid-spring onwards.