Overview
Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' is a perennial in the genus Romneya, part of the Papaveraceae family. Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Suggested uses include ornamental, garden borders and xeriscaping. It is native to California and USA.
About
Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' is a perennial Matilija poppy valued for its summer flowering. Native to California, USA, it prefers full sun and well-drained soils and tolerates dry to medium moisture. Place it in a fully exposed site where its June to August blooms and mild fragrance can be appreciated.
About the genus
Romneya is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). There are two species in the genus Romneya, which was named after the Irish astronomer John Thomas Romney Robinson; the first discovered species R. coulteri commemorates Romney Robinson's close friendship with the Irish botanist Thomas Coulter.
Wikipedia contributors, "Romneya", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Romneya
In the garden
Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' is a perennial poppy-type plant from California grown as an ornamental for its summer display. As a member of the Romneya group, it suits open, sunlit positions and will perform best in a site that receives full exposure. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged hollows; the species copes with dry to medium soil moisture and is most reliable where drainage is good. Choose a sunny border or a xeriscaped area where irrigation is minimal and the planting spot is not shaded by trees or buildings. Flowers appear from June to August and carry a mild fragrance, so locate the plant where the scent can be enjoyed from a path or seating area. Use Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' as a specimen or at the back of a sunny border to take advantage of its summer flowering and scent.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Romneya
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- full
Plant details
Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, garden borders, xeriscaping
- Native to
- California, USA
- Fragrance
- mild
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems after flowering to encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud'?
Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' prefers full sun. It suits full positions.
What soil does Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' need?
Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud'?
Cut back old stems after flowering to encourage new growth.
How do I propagate Romneya × hybrida 'White Cloud'?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- 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 Romneya genus
- Romneya trichocalyxbristly Matilija poppy, hairy Matilija poppy
- Romneya × hybrida of gardensMatilija poppy