Plant Lust
ShopOrderSellblog
0

  • Plant types

  • Plant styles

  • Planting conditions

  • Seasonal interest

  • Nurseries & Gardens

    • Photo of Eschscholzia californica flower, foliage by H. Zell

    Photo by H. Zell

    This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

    Show all photos

    Eschscholzia californica

    Also Known As

    • California Poppy
    • Orange California Poppy

    Plant type

    perennial, annual / biennial

    size

    • H: 8"-18"
    • W: 4"-15"

    planting zones

    • 8a-11

    More Options

    Eschscholzia californica plant details

    Eschscholzia californica is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen annual / biennial or perennial with blue foliage. In spring orange flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Eschscholzia californica

    Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial
    Plant family: papaveraceae
    Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen blue
    Mature size: 4 IN - 15 IN - wide, 8 IN - 18 IN - tall
    Flowers: orange blooms in spring
    Uses: fern-like leaves, self-sowing

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Eschscholzia californica

    USDA Zones: 8a - 11
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: regular - low
    Resistant to: deer, heat
    Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    This herbaceous perennial wildflower is our beloved California state flower. It is drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow in gardens. To avoid the self-seeding, simply remove the old flowers. Blooms close at night and during cloudy weather. In the landscape, use in borders, bulb cover, in containers, massing, bedding, and in rock gardens. Blooms March to October. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Rich nectar and pollen source for a diversity of bees. Quail love the seeds. California Native American tribes used the poppy as a calming agent. The Pomo tribes used the crushed seeds topically, the Mendocino people used the roots as an external cleansing agent, and the Ohlone people used it to promote sleep. Found in dry climates, plains, hill, valleys, roadsides, and disturbed grounds. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland Between 0 and 6561 feet.

    By: The Watershed Nursery

    The satiny, orange, 10cm, poppy flowers of this short lived perennial from western North America are borne in great abundance through spring and early summer over mounds of lacy, fern-like, glaucous leaves. One of the most popular annuals of all time, in our better suited climate it is more reliably perennial. Drought hardy and self seeding it can be naturalised in any well drained, exposed and sunny position. Shade and/or summer water will led to premature demise. Scratch seeds into bare soil where they are to grow in autumn or winter. Each pack contains 50+ seeds at the very least.

    By: Zephs

    The sweet, welcoming tangerine poppy that announces the arrival of spring! Annual or perennial with feathery, ferny foliage, and GLOWING orange cups 2-4” wide April > June. Full sun, light soils best (but tolt of heavier soil), absolutely drought tolt a

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    In the Spring, the hills of California shine with the clear satiny gold blooms and blue green foliage of the official state flower. Stunning & super easy to grow. It will re-seed & you’ll have it forever and ever. Looks fabulous combined with Nemophila menziesii. Poor or good soil. To 18” high by 9 inches wide. Perfect plant for that pesky parking strip.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Eschscholzia californica plant

    How to Grow Eschscholzia californica

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in summer

    • Soil Needs

      • adaptable
      • average
      • lean
      • well-drained
      • rich
      • rocky
      • gritty

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • blue

    • Flower Color

      • orange

    • Wildlife

      • bees
      • deer resistant

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous
      • semi-evergreen

    • Texture

      • glaucous

    See other plant types of Eschscholzia for your garden

    Eschscholzia glyptosperma

    aka California Poppy

    Plant Type

    Annual / Biennial

    Zones

    1-12

    Size

    Height: 8"-12"

    Width: 8"-12"

    • sun
    • drought tolerant
    Photo of Eschscholzia glyptosperma flower by Stan Shebs
    View Plant

    Eschscholzia minutiflora

    aka Pygmy Poppy

    Plant Type

    Annual / Biennial

    Zones

    1-12

    Size

    Height: 4"-12"

    Width: 6"-12"

    • sun
    • low - drought tolerant
    Photo of Eschscholzia minutiflora flower by Stan Shebs
    View Plant

    Eschscholzia caespitosa

    aka Tufted California Poppy

    Plant Type

    Annual / Biennial

    Zones

    1-11

    Size

    Height: 10"-12"

    Width: 24"

    • sun
    • regular - low
    Photo of Eschscholzia caespitosa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    More Options

    Eschscholzia californica 'Alba'

    aka White California Poppy

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Annual / Biennial

    Zones

    8b-11

    Size

    Height: 8"-14"

    Width: 8"-14"

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    Photo of Eschscholzia californica 'Alba' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    More Options

    Eschscholzia californica 'Apricot Chiffon'

    aka Apricot Chiffon California Poppy

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    9a-10b

    Size

    Height: 14"

    Width: 14"

    • sun
    • regular - low
    Photo of Eschscholzia californica 'Apricot Chiffon' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    More Options

    +19 more Eschscholzia
    Mailing List
    Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

    © 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved