420 
The Garden Magazine, August, 1924 
MEXICAN PRICKLY POPPY (Argemone mexicana) 
Easily raised from seed sown where the plants are to stand, requiring a light soil 
and plenty of sun; height from one to two feet, flowers orange or lemon colored 
white; Crocea, very deep yellow; a double flowered form of Crocea 
and other intermediate shades. In bright sunshine when the 
flowers are fully expanded they will average three inches across 
and the plants continue to bloom incessantly, irrespective of 
weather conditions. 
The Mexican Poppy (Hunnemannia fumariaefolia) merits a 
place in every garden, although it is a little slow to start from 
seed and does not transplant well. A little attention in the 
early summer in getting the plants well started is amply repaid, 
however, as when the plants once attain flowering size they con¬ 
tinue to present their yellow, poppy-like flowers in profusion 
until frost, which, unlike the Californian Poppy, do not close 
at night, and are therefore useful for indoor decoration, lasting 
for several days in water. The foliage is beautifully cut, some¬ 
what resembling that of the Esch- 
scholtzia, but the plants average 
about two feet in height. On the 
Western coast it is a perennial 
shrubby plant, but in the East it is 
treated as an annual. Start seed 
indoors in the spring, planting out 
in the open when the weather be¬ 
comes warm. The best method is 
to sow two or three seeds in a 
inch pot, afterward thinning out to 
the strongest plant. 
The Matilija Poppy (Romneya 
Coulteri) or giant white Californian 
Tree Poppy is the only true shrub 
Poppy I have included in my list. 
When in full flower it forms a per¬ 
fect picture, especially if its position 
is right, say with a background of 
conifers or evergreen shrubs. The 
immense white flowers of silk-like 
texture, beautifully crimpeS, with 
rich yellow stamens, and often six 
inches across, rival those of the 
single Peony. They are also sweetly 
fragrant and last for several days in 
a cut state. When planted in a 
well-drained sunny and sheltered 
position, the Matilija Poppy attains 
quite large proportions. Although 
it succeeds as far north as Phila¬ 
delphia, it is not suitable for the 
Northern States. [We have seen it 
established in Westchester County, 
N. Y.; and in Highland Park, 
Rochester, N. Y., it is so much at 
home that it has usurped the whole 
bed. See page 419. It is given light 
protection in winter, however.— Ed.] 
On account of its root formation 
it does not transplant easily, but 
when fresh seed can be secured it is 
easily raised, although the seed is 
very slow in germinating, and the 
seedlings also do not make quick 
growth in the younger stages. 
Where the Romneya is apt to 
winter kill I can recommend the 
following method of protection. In late October or early 
November—according to location—cut all branches to about 
two feet from the ground, then encircle the plant with small 
meshed wire netting and fill up with dry leaves until the spring. 
The Plume Poppy (Bocconia cordata) although its flowers do 
not in any way resemble those of the Poppy, is an interesting 
and beautiful subject for the hardy border. Well grown plants 
will average from 6 to 8 feet in height, and increase very rapidly. 
The leaves are almost maple-like, rich, glistening green on top, 
and white underneath, with whitish stems; every branch being 
surmounted with a large feathery, plumy mass of small flowers, 
without petals and in color creamy white. It is perfectly hardy, 
easily raised from seed or by root cuttings—too easily, perhaps, 
for some situations as it will spread rapidly in good soil. 
National Garden Week for 1925 to be observed April 1 9tk—25th 
