Dendromecon

This group consists of two tender, evergreen shrubs that grow wild on the rocky hills of California. These shrubs are commonly known as Blush Poppies or Tree Poppies. D. rigida is a large shrub with stiff, narrow, bloomy leaves and clusters of 2-inch, bright yellow, four-petaled flowers that resemble poppies. The blossoms are produced over a long period in the summer. This shrub is fairly rare, but worth growing in gardens where the climate is warm.

Pot Cultivation

Grow Tree Poppies against a warm, sunny wall in light, loamy soil that has excellent drainage. Pruning consists of removing weak branches.

Propagation

Cuttings can be inserted in small pots of sand or sandy soil, in May or August. The containers are then set in a frame, greenhouse, or propagating frame. Root cuttings, about an inch long, may be inserted in sandy soil and kept fairly moist in a frame, in autumn. Tree Poppies can also be increased by layering, in the fall.

D. rigida

VARIETIES

D. rigida