California poppy Eschscholzia californica 'Champagne & Roses'
ABOUT
The 'Champagne & Roses' variety of California poppy is known for its attractive and colorful blossoms. This plant produces a stunning display of bowl-shaped flowers that feature a mix of soft champagne, cream, and pink hues. The delicate petals can sometimes be seen with a slight ombre effect, transitioning in shades from the center to the edges, and may exhibit a silky or satiny texture that catches the sunlight beautifully. The flowers sit atop slender, erect stalks which spring from a base of finely-divided, blue-green foliage. The leaves are feathery in appearance, creating a light, airy backdrop for the blossoms. The ground-hugging foliage forms a lacy mat that spreads around the plant, often seen as a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers it supports. California poppy 'Champagne & Roses' is a drought-tolerant plant, embracing its role as a low-maintenance addition to any garden, flourishing well in sunny spots with well-draining soil. Its enchanting flowers are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to the area it adorns. Once established, this variety of California poppy can create a carefree display of color and texture, its blooms often closing at night or on cloudy days and reopening with the morning sun.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
California Poppy, Golden Poppy, Californian Poppy, Cup of Gold
Common names
Eschscholzia californica.
ToxicityTo humans
The California poppy is generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. While all parts of the plant contain some alkaloids, ingestion in small amounts typically does not cause serious harm. However, if consumed in large quantities, it may have sedative and euphoric effects, bringing about mild discomfort or symptoms such as nausea or dizziness due to its mild sedative properties.
To pets
California poppy is also considered to have low toxicity to pets. It contains alkaloids which can potentially cause mild sedation if ingested in large enough amounts, but it is generally not known to be a significant toxic hazard to animals. Symptoms can include mild gastrointestinal upset or lethargy. However, caution is always advised, and pets should not be allowed to ingest plants due to the potential for individual sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 centimeters)
Spread
0.6 feet (18 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: This variety of California poppy doesn't require much care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for beautiful, yet easy-to-maintain plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapted to dry conditions, it can survive with minimal watering, which is beneficial in regions with water restrictions or drought-prone areas.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are vital for the pollination of many plants and the overall health of ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps stabilize the soil, making it useful for controlling erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Decorative Appeal: With their bright and colorful flowers, they are aesthetically pleasing and are used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes.
Medical PropertiesAnxiolytic: California poppy, the common name of Eschscholzia californica 'Champagne & Roses', may help alleviate anxiety.
Sedative: It has been traditionally used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Analgesic: The plant is known for its potential to reduce pain, particularly mild pain.
Antispasmodic: California poppy may help in reducing muscle spasms and cramps.
Neuroprotective: Some research suggests a potential role in protecting nerve cells from damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- California poppy 'Champagne & Roses' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabric, providing a range of orange to yellow hues depending on the mordant used.
- Pressed or dried California poppy flowers are used in decorative arts, such as in scrapbooking, resin jewelry, and framed botanical art.
- The flowers can be incorporated into a floral confetti mix for eco-friendly celebrations, as they are biodegradable and add a pop of color.
- Leaves and petals of the California poppy can be used in potpourri mixes to add a subtly sweet scent and vibrant color contrast.
- California poppy's seeds are sometimes used in ornamental seed envelopes or packets that are designed for garden enthusiasts and collectors.
- The stems and foliage can serve as a filler in casual floral arrangements, particularly in "wild garden" style bouquets.
- California poppy plants can work as a living mulch, reducing soil erosion and moisture loss once established in a garden bed.
- California poppy petals can be used in artistic endeavors like papermaking, adding a natural element to handmade paper products.
- When used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, California poppies can attract pollinators to help increase the yield of certain crops.
- In photography, the vibrant flowers and attractive foliage of the California poppy can be used to create a stunning natural backdrop or setting for outdoor portrait sessions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe California Poppy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe California Poppy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation - California Poppy, including the 'Champagne & Roses' variety, has sedative properties that symbolize the need to relax and ease tension.
- Resilience - It is a hardy plant that can thrive in difficult conditions, representing the ability to endure and adapt to challenging circumstances.
- Beauty and Simplicity - The delicate appearance of the California Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' reflects an appreciation for natural beauty and the simple pleasures in life.
- Remembrance - In the context of war memorials, poppies, including California Poppies, are often worn or displayed to remember those who have died in conflict.
- California State Flower - It is the state flower of California, symbolizing the region's identity and the pride of its residents.
WaterCalifornia Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' thrives in dry to average moisture conditions and has low water requirements once established. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means watering once a week during the active growing season. Deep, infrequent watering is ideal, aiming for about one gallon per plant to encourage deep root growth. During the peak of summer heat, an additional watering may be needed to prevent wilting. Reduce watering in late fall as the plant goes dormant and avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
LightCalifornia Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' grows best in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. It will tolerate light shade, but flowering may be reduced. An open site without too much shade from trees or buildings is perfect, as California Poppies thrive in open fields and meadows.
TemperatureCalifornia Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' prefers temperate climates and can tolerate a wide temperature range. It grows best in temperatures between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to freezing, but prolonged cold below 32 degrees Fahrenheit may damage or kill the plant. High temperatures are tolerated well, but extreme heat above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant.
PruningCalifornia Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' benefits from deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Pruning is typically done during the flowering season to maintain appearance and vigor. Cutting back the plant to a few inches after the first bloom can also promote a second bloom in the same season. Prune in the late fall or early winter after flowering has ceased to tidy up the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the California Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' is well-draining with low fertility, preferably sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Avoid heavy and waterlogged soils.
RepottingCalifornia Poppies 'Champagne & Roses' are typically not repotted as they are annuals or short-lived perennials and perform best when directly sown where they are to flower.
Humidity & MistingCalifornia Poppy 'Champagne & Roses' thrives in low to moderate humidity levels and does not require high humidity; protect it from excessive moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light, well-draining soil, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, less frequent watering.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
Life cycleEschscholzia californica 'Champagne & Roses', commonly known as California Poppy, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in early spring or after autumn rains, and is fostered by cool, wet weather. After the seedlings have established, the plant develops a deep taproot and lacy blue-green foliage as it enters the vegetative stage. The flowering stage follows, typically from early spring to fall, with peak blooming in late spring or early summer, showcasing its distinctive cup-shaped flowers in shades of cream, pink, and soft rose. Once pollinated, often by bees and other insects, the plant sets seed in elongated, narrow pods that dry and split open to release the seeds. The California Poppy may temporarily enter a dormancy phase during hot, dry periods, reducing growth to conserve energy and resources. At the end of the growing season or life cycle, the plant dies back, leaving seeds that will remain dormant until the next favorable germination conditions occur, ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the California poppy 'Champagne & Roses' is by seed. Ideally, seeds should be sown directly into the ground in the fall or early spring, as the California poppy has a taproot that can be damaged by transplanting. The seeds require light for germination, so they should be scattered on the soil surface and barely pressed in, ensuring they are not covered by soil. In regions with mild winters, fall sowing can result in early spring blooms, while spring sowing will produce flowers later in the season. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs. Once established, the California poppy 'Champagne & Roses' is drought tolerant and will often self-seed, creating a more robust display in subsequent years.
