Eschscholzia californica 'Alba'

Eschscholzia californica 'Alba' is a selection of pastel California Poppy, which brings a tender and countryside touch to any decor. The cream-white silk-woven flowers of this poppy sway above finely cut, silver-tinged foliage, which is highly ornamental. They bloom from spring to late summer depending on the climate and sowing date. Equally at home in a flowery meadow or sophisticated borders, this short-lived plant enthusiastically tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils. It self-seeds and naturalizes very easily in light soil, but not always in the same colour if several varieties are planted nearby.

The 'Alba' California Poppy is a pale-flowered form of Eschscholzia californica, an annual to short-lived perennial herbaceous plant native to California and the southwestern United States. This taprooted plant quickly forms a clump of foliage about 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in all directions. Its leaves are pinnate, finely cut, with a colour ranging from bluish-green to silver-green, particularly attractive, especially when it is hot. Flowering occurs from spring to summer and into autumn. Autumn sowings (in mild climates) flower as early as May, while spring sowings flower from July to September-October. The flowers are borne 35cm (14in) above the ground. They are 5cm (2in) wide cups, formed by 5 to 6 silky petals, reflecting the sun, and only opening if it is generous. This flowering is both nectar-rich and pollen-rich. It is followed by the formation of long, slender capsules, 7 to 8cm (3in) long, with a glaucous green colour, containing tiny seeds. Once dried, the capsules release a large quantity of small seeds that germinate in light soil.

California poppies are a blessing for dry gardens, rockeries, and coastal gardens. They can be sown in perennial borders, natural areas of the garden, or even in pots. These plants are perfect for low-maintenance or weekend gardens. Their colours blend beautifully with light blues and mauves. To easily create a small flowery meadow, mix their seeds with those of Damask Nigella, poppies, Echinops ritro, and bunny tails (Lagurus ovatus), which flower for a long time and appreciate the same growing conditions. Eschscholzia are beautiful, but ephemeral, in bouquets.