Family: Papaveraceae
Common Name: Matilija Poppy

This tall, shrubby, herbaceous perennial from California and Central America bears large, white, sweetly perfumed, poppy-like flowers in summer through to autumn.

Species

R. coulteri, the only species, grows to over 2 m (6 ft), and produces satiny, white, fragrant flowers. The deeply divided foliage is coloured an attractive gray-green. Var. tricbocalyx is similar to the species, but it produces larger flowers with hairy calyces.

Cultivation

Plant in a light, well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Propagate from seed sown in early spring, or from stickers and root cuttings taken in winter.

Climate

Zone 7.