California Orange Eschscholzia californica. This is the true orange single California poppy, and the state flower of California. California Orange California poppy seeds are great in wild looking beds, the colour is intensified when grown near anything purple. Eschscholzia californica is a wildflower native to Mexico and California, where it is the state flower. It thrives in arid regions and is substantially drought tolerant so it is a very good choice for xeriscaping. This plant can eject the seeds from its dried seed pods a surprising distance, so they may self sow in favourable conditions. But it is not listed as a noxious weed, and is easily controlled if it seems to be getting out of hand. Its unusual Latin name is in honour of the German botanist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz. Hardy Annual (HA) - it may overwinter in Zones 8-10
Black Swan Papaver somniferum. The flowers of Black Swan poppy are almost peony-like, with finely cut, deeply frilled, dark red petals, and fully double form. The strong, upright stems grow as tall as 120cm (48"), but the flowers themselves are just incredible. They are followed by large, curious seed pods full of edible poppy seeds for baking. The striking flowers are magnets for bees, but deer tend to give them a complete pass. Direct sow, and expect some self sowing to occur. Annual.
