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Annual Biennial

Limnanthes douglasii
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

poached egg flower

A popular, spreading annual to 15cm in height, with finely divided bright, yellow-green leaves and bearing masses of open bowl-shaped yellow flowers with white-tipped petals, in summer and autumn

Other common names
meadow foam
poached egg plant
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer White Yellow Green
Autumn White Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Limnanthaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Limnanthes are low-growing annuals with pinnately divided leaves and cup-shaped, 5-petalled flowers in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or autumn, protect autumn sowings from frost

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • hanging basket
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Bedding
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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