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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 the UK
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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