Dendromecon harfordii

Also Known As

Dendromecon rigida harfordii
Island Bush Poppy
Island Poppy Shrub
Tree Poppy

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 6'-10'
W: 6'-12'

planting zones

8b-11

More Options

Dendromecon harfordii plant details

Dendromecon harfordii is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with blue foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dendromecon harfordii

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: papaveraceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: tropical-looking, unique, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dendromecon harfordii

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Shrubby or tree-like to 15' tall but usually much less. The 3" yellow flowers are set against rich blue-green leaves 3-5" long. Channel Islands of California.

By: Native Sons

Catalina Bush Poppy. The library in town had the biggest plant in the state of Dendromecon rigida until the City chopped it out. This is a slightly more tender version but very doable here given full sun against a wall and dry good drainage in lean soil. Yellow flowers. Hortilacious & edgy.

By: Far Reaches Farm

The “Island Bush Poppy” is a very attractive shrub/tree for dry gardens. The flowers are 2” wide, brilliant yellow & contrast beautifully with the blue-green foliage. While mostly Spring blooming, it may also bloom year around & it looks fabulous with the blues of Ceanothus & the reds of Galvezia. The shrub generally grows in an open hemispheric form to 5'-10' wide & tall. In the wild it grows only in chapparal on Santa Rosa & Santa Cruz Islands. In the garden it requires good drainage to thrive, though some people say that it is more a question of transplanting carefully to the garden. So take care to disturb the roots as little as possible!