This large white flower has six petals with a ball-shaped center of bright yellow stamens.
The flower’s nectar especiallyattracts bees in spring.
It’s sometimes called fried egg flower, for its uncanny resemblance to a very large fried egg.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Learn more about how to grow, care, and contain the Matilija poppy plant.
Their tendency to be aggressive spreaders is a consideration.
If planting nursery plants, be careful while transplanting to handle the roots gently.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Soil
Being native to dry, arid desert climates, the Matilija poppy prefersdry, sandy soil.
It requires good drainage, so clay soils might require amendments.
Otherwise, this flower is fairly tolerant of diverse soil conditions.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Light
To reach their full height and flowering potential, these plants need full sun exposure.
Watering once a week is reasonable.
You’ll know to give it supplemental water in addition to your regular schedule when the plant starts drooping.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Overwatering will cause leaves to discolor and flower petals to fall prematurely.
Mulching to ensure even moisture may also be helpful.
Yes, the Matilija poppy is considered invasive in California.
Its spreading habit is considered aggressive.
After it blooms and the leaves brown, cut the stems down to a foot above the ground.
Though container gardening can limit a plant’s spread, growing Matilija poppies in a pot may not work.
The plant grows much to tall and will likely spill out of a planter and look unkempt.
Matilija Poppy.University of California.
