Hydrocleys

This tropical, aquatic perennial, commonly known as Water Poppy, is native to South America. It produces thick, broadly heart-shaped, dark green leaves measuring 2 to 4 inches on stems that grow up to 3 feet long. Three-petaled, pale yellow flowers with red and brown centers grow 2 to 21/2 inches across. These last only a day, but are produced in succession over a long period of time.

Pot Cultivation

The Water Poppy may be grown outdoors year-round in mild climates. In cool climates, it will need to be wintered indoors in a non-tropical atmosphere, in a hanging basket kept very moist or in a shallow tub of water. Provide at least 10 hours of full-spectrum light every day. The Water Poppy can be potted in rich topsoil and set in your water garden. It can be grown in as much as 12 to 15 inches of water, though it will do much better in water that has a depth of 6 inches. This plant can be very invasive, so it needs to be watched carefully and thinned as needed. It multiplies quickly by means of runners that spread across the surface of the water, anchor themselves in other pots and produce new plants at their leaves.

Propagation

Rooted plantlets may be detached and potted.