Although Matilija poppy is a member of the poppy family, this shrub-like perennial looks very different from any other poppy, including the tall bush poppy. For one, it gets very tall and wide, hence its other common name, tree poppy. The eye-catching flowers resemble fried eggs, which earned it another common name, fried egg flower.
Measuring 6 inches wide, the blossoms have white petals that resemble tissue paper and round centers the color of egg yolks. The foliage is a soft blue-green. The plant is native to a relatively small area in the American Southwest. Its flowers, which appear as early as March and last into midsummer, appeal to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Matilija Poppy Overview
Where to Plant Matilija Poppy
Plant Matilija poppy in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The soil pH can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The best places for this large, creeping perennial include slopes and naturalist, native plantings where it has room to expand and create a colony. It is an especially good choice for stabilizing banks and preventing erosion. Because it is drought-tolerant after it is established, it is also a good choice for a xeriscape garden.
Once established, though, watch out! It will spread quickly by underground rhizomes and invades distant areas of the landscape, which means it's not a good choice for small yards or containers. Smaller plants cannot compete with Matilija poppy plants so for companion plants, select shrubs that are tall enough to compete for the available sun.
How and When to Plant Matilija Poppy
Fall or winter is the best time to plant this big, beautiful perennial. Before removing this poppy from its nursery container, water it well. The moist soil will clump together and help prevent damage to the plant's root ball, which should not be broken apart during planting. Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Because Matilija poppy is a vigorous spreader, it is a good idea to install a root barrier at planting time. This solution can be as simple as planting it in a pot that is sunk into the ground. Situate the pot so the edge of the container is about 2 inches above the surrounding grade to prevent it from growing out of the pot and into nearby soil.
Leave at least 6 feet of distance to neighboring plants.
Due to its vigorous spread, plant only one Matilija poppy until you get an idea about how fast it fills the available space.
Matilija Poppy Care Tips
Matilija poppy is a low-maintenance and care-free plant but keeping its vigorous growth contained might require some extra effort.
Light
Matilija poppy does best in full sun but it will also bloom in dappled shade.
Soil and Water
For best results, the planting location should have sandy, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 8.0.
Water Matilija poppies thoroughly after planting and continue watering them weekly throughout the first growing season in the absence of rain. Once the plant is established, the plant is drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity
Matilija poppy thrives in warm dry weather. It is not winter-hardy below zone 7. The very hot and humid summers in the American southeast are not good growing conditions for the plant.
Fertilizer
Matilija poppy does not require fertilization.
Pruning
Matilija poppy usually goes dormant in the heat of summer or in the fall. At that point, cut the stalks back to 3 to 4 inches above ground level. The plant will regrow in the spring.
Potting and Repotting Matilija Poppy
Because Matilija poppy needs ample space, it is not suitable to be grown in pots.
Pests and Problems
Except for powdery mildew, Matilija poppy is not commonly affected by pests and diseases.
How to Propagate Matilija Poppy
Matilija poppy is tricky to propagate. Growing it from seed is very challenging and although it spreads freely by rhizomes, propagating it vegetatively is equally challenging because the plant does not transplant well. Therefore, it is best to start with a small potted plant (no larger than a 1-gallon container) from a nursery.
Matilija Poppy Companion Plants
California Wild Lilac
Like the common lilac, these native wild lilacs in the Ceanothus genus are lavishly laden with flower trusses in the spring, but in a true blue color. Their tough roots control erosion and the shrubs are drought-tolerant. There are more than 50 members in the species, some are frost-tender while others are more tolerant of cold so make sure to pick a variety that fits your climate zone.
Sugar Bush
Rhus ovata, also called sugar sumac, is an evergreen shrub that grows 8 to 12 feet tall. It is native to southern California and Arizona. It has large white flower clusters in the spring. This native of Southern California and Arizona is drought-tolerant and even grows in clay soil. Zone 7-11
Flannel Bush
Fremontodendron californicum, the California flannel bush, is another native shrub that thrives in hot, dry climates. It is blanketed with showy yellow blossoms in spring. It has an irregular growth habit, sending out a mix of long and short fast-growing shoots but makes up it for when exploding with yellow flowers in spring. Zone 8-10
Garden Plan for Matilija Poppy
Late-Summer Garden Plan
Keep the color coming on strong all the way through the end of the growing season with this no-fuss late-summer garden plan. It's packed with sun-loving, summer-blooming perennials. The blooms often last until the first frost, and their seed heads hold up well into winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Matilija poppies make good cut flowers?Matilija poppy makes a striking but short-lived cut flower. Harvest blossoms while they are still in the bud stage. Recut each stem right before adding it to a vase. Expect blossoms to last about three days before they start dropping pollen and petals.
Matilija poppy makes a striking but short-lived cut flower. Harvest blossoms while they are still in the bud stage. Recut each stem right before adding it to a vase. Expect blossoms to last about three days before they start dropping pollen and petals.
- Where does the name Matilija poppy come from?It was named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash peoples whose territory in the central and southern coastal regions of California included what is now the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, as well as the Channel Islands.
It was named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash peoples whose territory in the central and southern coastal regions of California included what is now the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, as well as the Channel Islands.