BUSH'S POPPY MALLOW

Callirhoe bushii

An overlooked species of wine cups, one that was used to great effect at the Missouri Botanical Garden last year, blooming with abandon even in the face of extreme heat. In the wild this species is limited to isolated pockets of Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, but it is a great choice for natural landscaping almost anywhere. The sturdy upright stems of this species stand in sharp contrast to the prostrate stems of the more common Callirhoe involucrata.

Hardy and adaptable, these plants require little more than good drainage once established. Mature plants grow from 1'-2' in all directions, and are topped with tons of papery glowing magenta flowers. If made to compete with other more robust companions, these plants send out long stems that stealthily wind their way toward the sun. They are fantastic companions for diverse species in a broad range of sunny spaces, but are perhaps at their best in a Piet Oudolf inspired naturalistic landscape, to which these plants will add a brilliant pop of color that these plantings frequently lack. Ultimately these plants become quite voluptuous and flouncy and will cover a lot of bare ground, effectively shading the soil and conserving moisture during dry spells. They will even spill over walls and can be used to soften the edges of rocky garden paths. Very charming.

Germinates best with stratification. Another method to consider: pour hot (180°F) water over seeds and soak for 24 hours. Rub soaked seeds to remove hull before sowing seeds 1/8" to 1/4" deep in moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug. Kept warm (70°F) and moist in bright light some seeds should germinate in a week or two. Prick out seedlings to grow in individual deep 3" pots. If few seeds germinate within two to three weeks, pop the pot into the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, remoistening soil as necessary, and try again at 70°F.

In our experience the best (though not the quickest) results are achieved by sowing untreated seeds into a pot of moist soil and placing in a sheltered place outdoors in late autumn to midwinter to germinate in spring. Just be sure to keep soil moist and out of direct light and check frequently for germination, which usually begins after at least a few freeze and thaw cycles in late winter or early spring. Seedlings should be potted up into individual deep 3" containers to grow on in a warm place in bright light. Transplant outdoors after the last frost.

Sadly all species of Callirhoe are susceptible to damage from slugs. They are slug candy. It is imperative that seedlings are protected and that plants are watered only infrequently once established. Callirhoe cannot thrive in wet places. It prefers dry soil and no coddling.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.