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Annual Biennial

Eschscholzia californica 'Red Chief'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A bushy annual to around 30cm high, with finely divided, feathery grey-green foliage. Produces delicate, bright scarlet poppy-like flowers all through the summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Eschscholzia can be annuals or perennials, with finely divided leaves and solitary, long-stalked, poppy-like yellow, orange or red flowers, followed by conspicuous long seed-pods

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in poor, well-drained soil; needs full sun for the flowers to open. Good for exposed or coastal areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown direct and in succession from mid-spring onwards. Will self-seed, though seedlings may vary if other cultivars are grown nearby

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Deadhead to promote flowering, and cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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