Dendromecon rigida (Bush Poppy)

Dendromecon rigida (Bush Poppy) is a vigorous evergreen shrub of rounded habit with stiff, upright to arching branches sparsely clothed with alternate, narrowly lance-shaped, blue-green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm). A profusion of slightly fragrant, brilliant yellow, cup-shaped flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), smother the plant from spring to summer, and scattered blooms can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. A spectacular shrub worthy of inclusion in the landscape. A tough and most beautiful California native shrub that is easy to grow, gets very few pests and diseases, enjoys coastal influence, and is drought tolerant.

• Usually grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 2-8 ft. wide (60-240 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in dry, well-drained rocky or clay soils. Tolerates clay soils as long as the plant received no water once established. Water once per month in summer after the plant is established. Tolerates salt spray, heat, and drought. Fire resistive. Place in a wind-sheltered area.
• Perfect for beds and borders, wall-side borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean gardens. Great on rocky clay slopes with excellent draining.
• Prune very lightly after flowering to keep neat. This shrub does not respond well to severe pruning.
• No serious pest and disease issues.
• Propagate by seed in spring or autumn – keep at 50-55°F (10-13°C). Propagate softwood cuttings in summer or by root cuttings in winter.
• Native to California and Baja California.
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