Planting Romneya Coulteri

The Romneya coulteri, also known as the Matilija poppy, is an ornamental shrub with large, white flowers. It is native to California and grows best in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 and 8. Once planted, the Matilija poppy is hardy, spreads rapidly and grows up to 8 feet tall; it is best to plant it in the back of your garden so it does not overtake the view. Planting Romneya coulteri is best done with root cuttings, as they reliably produce shrubs identical to the parent plant. Plant the Romneya coulteri in early spring for best results.

Plastic sandwich bag
Moist potting soil
Garden trowel
Gardening clippers
Planter, 12-inch diameter, with drainage holes (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a plastic sandwich bag with moist potting soil and seal it to prevent the moisture from escaping. Keep the bag with you when you go to take the root clippings from the Romneya coulteri.
- 2
  Dig around the base of a mature Romneya coulteri with a garden trowel gently until you locate roots with buds growing on them, about the thickness of a pencil. Cut one 2-inch long section of the root for every Romneya coulteri you wish to plant. Place the clippings in the bag of soil, seal it and shake to cover them. This preserves their moisture.
- 3
  Prepare a planting bed for the Romneya coulteri. If you do not live in zones 7 or 8, prepare soil in a planter. Blend equal parts of moist potting soil and sand, at least 6 inches deep in the ground, or fill the planter this mixture. Allow for at least 12 inches of space between each Romneya coulteri or prepare one planter for each root clipping.
- 4
  Dig a 1-inch deep hole in the soil for each root clipping. Remove the clippings from the bag and lay them in the holes horizontally. Fill in the 1-inch hole with soil, and water the area until moist. Keep the Romneya coulteri’s soil moist, but not soggy. Within one to two months, the Romneya coulteri should sprout. Continue watering the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
- 5
  Cut the Romneya coulteri to a height of 4 to 6 inches when its foliage turns yellow and dies in late fall. It will bloom again in the summer.

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