PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure; thrives in intense direct sunlight and tolerates high summer heat
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Tolerates light frost (down to 5°C); prefers warm, arid or semi-arid growing conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Finely divided, fern-like blue-green foliage
- Flower: Cup-shaped golden-orange blooms; close in cloudy weather or evening
- Stem: Slender, branching stems with a waxy, water-retaining coating
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly only when soil is fully dry; avoid overwatering
Fertilization
Optional diluted balanced feed once every 6 weeks. Low-fertility soil supports better flowering than nutrient-rich mixes
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without overfertilizingPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Cut back leggy stems in mid-summer to promote new growth and second bloom cycle
- Remove yellowing foliage to maintain a tidy clumping habit
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: State flower of California; symbolizes hope, resilience, and California's wild landscape
Usage: Ornamental wildflower; attracts native bees and butterflies to gardens
