Matilija Poppies: A Fried Egg(less) Dream
There is really nothing on flower earth quite like the Matilija Poppy. While, yes, there are other wonderful poppies that are full of ruffle-y delight—- this one is no typical clump of California poppies. When well established, this glory of blooms and buds can grow to 8 feet tall with endless flowers, each nearly 5 inches across!
I’ve always admired this plant on walks around Los Angeles neighborhoods, seeing it wild and free taking over suburban gardens. I’ve planted it in my garden primarily on sunny slopes and found that perhaps because of Southern California’s incredible summer heat, it does surprisingly well in areas partly shaded by trees.
I purchased my 4-inch and 1-gallon starter plants from La Crescenta Nursery in the Oakmont neighborhood of Glendale, Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley and Hahamonga Native Plant nursery in Pasadena, CA.
The Matilija Poppy or Romneya coulteri is known for stabilizing slopes because of its creeping root stalks or rhizomes. It’s also known for being challenging to remove so consider your planting location carefully.
Initially, I incorrectly assumed that Matilija was a Spanish word, resulting in a long-time mispronunciation!
In fact, Matilija comes from the word "Mat'ilha", a Chumash village once located in what is now referred to as Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Currently in development is the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center “being built to celebrate Chumash heritage, share the tribe’s history, and educate visitors about the rich culture of the first people of the area. The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will also advance the legacy of the Chumash environmental stewardship and keep ancient sustainability traditions alive by seeking to become one of the first LEED-certified tribal museums in the United States.”
I enjoy photographing the giant white flowers and golden pom-pom centers almost as much as I enjoy growing them.
They shape shift through the season, their distinctive silver grey leaves remaining long after the flowers have gone.
Our team has been developing a special collection of textiles, wallpapers and area rugs inspired by the beauty of the Matilija Poppy. Soon to be released in five colorways; natural, midnight, petal, putty and bluestone.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah's work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).