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Description
Romneya Coulteri, commonly known as the Matilija poppy or the fried egg plant, is a perennial plant native to California. It is a member of the poppy family and can grow up to 5-8 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width. This plant produces large, papery white flowers with bright yellow centers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Its leaves are blue-green in color and are deeply lobed, giving a fern-like appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Romneya |
Appearance
Romneya Coulteri is a large, showy plant with striking white flowers that can be up to 9 inches in diameter. The flowers have six petals that are crinkled and ruffled, giving them a tissue-paper-like texture. The center of the flower is bright yellow with a ring of stamens surrounding it. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a bluish-green color. The stems are thick and hairy, and the plant has a bushy, spreading growth habit. This plant can grow up to 5-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.
Care Guide
Romneya Coulteri is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
- Soil: Romneya Coulteri prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade. However, it will produce fewer flowers in shady areas.
- Hardiness Zones: Romneya Coulteri is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Romneya Coulteri is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Avoid over-watering the plant to prevent the development of fungal diseases. Pests such as aphids and spider mites can occasionally infest the plant, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Romneya Coulteri is native to California and can be found growing in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive periods of low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Romneya Coulteri poisonous?
A: No, Romneya Coulteri is not poisonous.
Q: How often should I fertilize Romneya Coulteri?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Romneya Coulteri tolerate shade?
A: Romneya Coulteri prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade. However, it will produce fewer flowers in shady areas.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Romneya Coulteri?
A: Romneya Coulteri is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Romneya Trichocalyx
- Romneya Hartwegii
- Romneya Coulteri ‘White Cloud’
- Romneya Millefolia
References
- “Romneya Coulteri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 Sept. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g610>
- “Romneya Coulteri.” San Francisco Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 Sept. 2021. <https://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/plants/plant-finder/romneya-coulteri.html>
- “Matilija Poppy.” University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Accessed 16 Sept. 2021. <https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Native_Plants/Vines_and_Groundcovers/Matilija_Poppy/>
