| Eschscholzia californica is the state flower of California. It is an annual, often grown as a perenial. The foliage is a pale blue-green and very finely divided. The flowers are cheerful, yellow to orange, satiny, 2 inches wide. Garden cultivars expand the range of color to include pink, rose, cream, red and white. On overcast days and at night, the flowers close up their petals. A very casual plant, best used for cottage gardens, naturalizing. Requires well drained soil. Sow seeds in place, does not transplant well. In mild winter areas, sow in the fall, in colder regions sow in early spring. It self sows freely, and grows wild on hillsides along the westcoast. |
