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Annual Biennial

Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana 'Sun Shades'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

California poppy 'Sun Shades'

'Sun Shades' is a bushy annual with finely divided, blue-green foliage and single, bright yellow-orange flowers in summer

Synonyms
Eschscholzia 'Sun Shades'
Eschscholzia mexicana 'Sun Shades'

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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Yellow Orange Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
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

Will thrive in poor, well-drained soil but they need full sun for the flowers to open. Can be grown as a drought-tolerant pot plant. Good for exposed or coastal areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in succession from mid-spring onwards

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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