The TRUTH About Matilija Poppy | Our Favorite Native Plants for SoCal Gardens

The Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) is one of California's most striking perennials, known for its large, showy flowers. It can grow 6-10 feet tall and spread in a continuously wider area via underground stems. The blue-green leaves are deeply lobed, and the flowers, the largest of any California native, bloom in late spring.
Thriving in full sun with at least 6 hours of light daily, the Matilija poppy prefers loose, well-drained soils and requires minimal water after flowering. Though young plants can struggle to establish, mature plants are robust and usually need regular maintenance to control its spread. By summer's end, foliage dies back, necessitating a cut to the ground in late fall.
This high-impact plant is ideal for slopes and background areas in California native and Mediterranean gardens, drawing attention with its dramatic floral display. Given its size, it should be planted strategically, and it works well in large raised planters. Cutting it back annually helps control its growth and encourage new development.
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[@hmoobdaisiabyangchannel2340]

99 like 🌱🥀🌹🌺👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️ 4:37

[@omargomez8714]

I just planted small one I got from the nursery after seeing a huge crop of them at the local botanical garden. I read that they spread through rhizomes but didn’t know they were that aggressive. Thanks for the tips!

[@brianbautista2356]

I have a friend about a mile away who planted this in front of her front yard bay window and when I went under her house I found poppy stalks growing under the house. They were really pale from lack of sunlight but it was definitely spreading. Maybe it’s okay for houses built on slab-on-grade :-). Thanks for putting this out there.

[@CBWCD]

I had heard of that happening, but it was a third or fourth hand story. Thanks for sharing!

[@markavant5046]

Keeping it real! I Think I will build a 3 sided bed and plant one right next to the chain link fence, of the neighbor who planted a non native monstrous tree, that blocked my view of Mt San G from my Livingroom chair. 😉😁😈

[@mshima67]

I’ve got large shrubs around it- will that contain it?

[@CBWCD]

Probably not. Expect the shrubs to hold their own, but the rhizomes of the matilda poppy to come up around and most likely on the other side of those shrubs. If that happens, don't worry, just pull the sprouts as you see them. They come up easily, but it's just part of the required care to keep it from taking over in most yards.