ROMNEYA COULTERI

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 6, 8 January 1942, Page 10

ROMNEYA COULTERI

The Californian tree . poppy (Romneya Coulteri) is described by Californian growers as the queen of all their flowers, more particularly suitable for large gardens and parks. The plants require space, light, air, and plenty of. sunshine.- The flowers are pure, glistening white, the petals are crimped and the centre of each bloom is golden. They are.produced freely, and have a delightful primrose scent. The plant is not very particular as to soil, but it does well in light, sandy ground, and consequently- is eminently suited for seaside gardens, if ample shelter from wind can be supplied; otherwise the delicate blooms will get badly bruised. In favourable situations the plant, with its perennial rootstock, spreads rapidly, and will soon take possession of a considerable patch of ground. A large plant in full bloom at the end of December or beginning of January makes a splendid picture. Propagation is by seeds or by root cuttings. The seeds are very fine and must be sown carefully on the surface of the box of soil and be kept uniformly moist until the plants are well up. Root cuttings are made of pieces of root about the thickness of a lead pencil and from two to three inches long. These should be inserted with the top. about an inch below the surface. As the Romneya Coulteri has long, .thongy, roots, it is not easily, moved, and transplanting should therefore be done as early as possible, before the roots get too long. It usually takes the plants two years to get established after moving, but although they seem to be at a standstill patience should be exercised and the plant given a chance.