Limnanthes douglasii - Poached egg plant

Limnanthes douglasii, also known as the poached egg flower, is a lovely small annual or biennial plant, abundantly producing fragrant golden yellow flowers with white edges, above very light pale green foliage. It thrives in sun and rich, consistently moist soil.

This poached egg plant is native to the meadows of the North American West (California and Oregon) and belongs to the Limnanthaceae family. It grows wild in humid, grassy environments such as meadows, even in poorly drained clay soils. Its short lifespan should not be seen as an obstacle, as its prolific vegetative cycle could make it appear perennial. This species forms small, thick rosettes of very fine, dissected, pale green to yellowish leaves, barely 12 cm (5in) tall and 6 cm (2in) wide. The flowering is abundant, from July to October if sowings are staggered. The fragrant, nectar-rich flowers are composed of 5 petals arranged in an open cup. This plant owes its common name to the two tones that colour it, a wide white border surrounding a golden yellow heart. After flowering, the plant quickly forms seeds and then disappears, leaving the soil bare for 2 months in summer. In September, young seedlings emerge from the ground and develop very quickly, covering the ground in about 15 days. Their foliage persists throughout the winter until flowering the following spring. This plant can form large colonies where it is happy.

Limnanthes douglasii is ideal for adding colour to the garden from spring to autumn. It is particularly suited to slightly wild and moist areas, especially near water. It is a generous flower, perfect for weekend gardens, and it easily self-seeds without any special care.