Description

The matilija poppy thrives in sunny areas with well-draining soil from Santa Barbara County south into Baja. It forms an expanding thicket of gray-green foliage on upright stalks. The flowers are several inches in diameter with crinkled paper-white petals and a yellow center. The sight of a patch of matilija poppy in full bloom explains their perennial popularity. This plant is often difficult to establish, especially in heavy, slow-draining soils. Fall planting and light watering in the first summer are helpful. Care should be taken to avoid root disturbance during planting. Once established, matilija can be remarkably vigorous and will spread via underground rhizomes in all directions. The size of the thicket may be controlled by removing unwanted shoots each year, but it is best to plant matilija poppy where it can expand. It will go dormant in late summer and winter at which time the plant may be coppiced to make wau for fresh spring growth. No water should be given once established.