Cherry Swirl California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica ‘Cherry Swirl’) is a poppy cultivar with semi to fully double, bright red blooms with contrasting golden eyes. The papery petals stand up to all types of summer weather, blooming throughout the season above attractive ferny foliage.
California Poppy grows in full sun but will tolerate part shade. It reaches one to two foot tall and can be perennial in milder areas. It self-seeds freely but is not particularly invasive. It is best introduced into the garden from seed sown in fall at the start of the rainy season. Do not cover the seeds with soil or mulch. California poppies like fast draining soil and plenty of sunshine but are very hardy and will also thrive in poor soil conditions, such as clay. If planting from seedlings, be careful with the long sensitive roots and water occasionally until established.
Birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators are attracted to this plant. Rabbits may browse the leaves but it is deer resistant.