Romneya coulteri
tree poppy
Papery, pure-white, poppy-like flowers with golden-yellow centres from July to October and handsome, deeply lobed, grey-green leaves. This wonderful, white tree poppy makes an excellent specimen plant for a sunny mixed border.
Often slow to establish and resentful of disturbance, Romneya coulteri requires fertile, well-drained soil, and shelter from strong winds. Can be propagated from root cuttings taken in the winter-early spring months.
Often slow to establish and resentful of disturbance, Romneya coulteri requires fertile, well-drained soil, and shelter from strong winds. Can be propagated from root cuttings taken in the winter-early spring months.
How to care for Romneya coulteri:
Choose a warm, sunny spot with sharply drained soil, ideally sandy or gritty, as this plant dislikes cold, wet ground. Loosen the soil deeply and mix in plenty of grit and compost to improve drainage and structure. Plant at the same depth as it was in the pot and water lightly to settle the soil, then avoid regular watering once established as it prefers dry conditions. Give it space, as roots can spread, and avoid moving it later since it resents disturbance.
Keep watering minimal after the first season, and stake young stems if needed until the plant toughens up. Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Cut back flower stems close to the base in March to tidy the plant and encourage strong new growth. Provide a deep, dry mulch such as gravel or coarse bark over winter to help protect the crown from excess moisture.
Keep watering minimal after the first season, and stake young stems if needed until the plant toughens up. Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Cut back flower stems close to the base in March to tidy the plant and encourage strong new growth. Provide a deep, dry mulch such as gravel or coarse bark over winter to help protect the crown from excess moisture.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
2m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
2 litre pot
£29.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 2 litre pots
£79.99
£26.66 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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