Overview
Papaver californicum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Papaver, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Papaver californicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.
About
Papaver californicum, commonly known as western poppy, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Papaver genus. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on south-facing, exposed sites with well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and flowers in summer and autumn. Suitable for wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, coastal and cottage gardens, as well as gravel gardens and flower borders, it is propagated by seed sown in spring and prefers fertile, moist soil.
About the genus
Papaver is a genus of 70–100 species of frost-tolerant annuals, biennials, and perennials native to temperate and cold regions of Eurasia, Africa and North America. It is the type genus of the poppy family, Papaveraceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Papaver", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Papaver
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Papaver
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Papaver californicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Papaver californicum
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Fungal wilts, Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Papaver californicum?
Papaver californicum prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Papaver californicum need?
Papaver californicum 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.
Is Papaver californicum hardy in the UK?
Papaver californicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Papaver californicum?
Seed sown in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Papaver genus
- Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Flamenco Dancer'
- Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Redizelle'
- Papaver atlanticumAtlas poppy
- Papaver lateritiumorange poppy
- Papaver orientaleoriental poppy
- Papaver orientale 'Indian Chief'Indian Chief Oriental Poppy
- Papaver orientale 'Marcus Perry'Oriental Poppy
- Papaver orientale 'May Queen' (double)Oriental poppy 'May Queen'