Celandine Poppy

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The Celandine poppy is a native of the southeastern portions of the United States and a genuine member of the Papaver family. The silvery-green foliage is deeply lobed and almost has a frilly look. The bright-yellow flowers are long lasting and continue from April to June. This herbaceous perennial spreads quite easily and freely if given the growing conditions it prefers. Unlike the imported European lesser Celandine (which is a Ranunculus), Stylophorum diphyllum is a well-behaved ground cover that is easy to keep in its desired location.

The Celandine Poppy is best planted near woodland streams, boggy areas, or other rich, moist sites. Rain garden designers like to use this plant for zone 2, just at the edge of the boggy middle. The bright-yellow flowers and medium growth habit fill the space around taller shrubs of the rain garden. This ground cover is mostly deer resistant due to the bitter sap it exudes from bruised or cut stems, although other small mammals enjoy the large number of seeds produced from late summer into the fall. Very few diseases or other pests bother Celandine Poppy, making it a low-maintenance plant. 

Celandine Poppy Care

Plant Celandine Poppy in acidic to neutral pH soil that stays moist but drains well. Full sun to part shade sites are perfect for a long-blooming period. The soil can be top-dressed with 2-3 inches of organic compost every spring, just as new growth appears. This helps the soil retain moisture longer and feeds the roots as the compost breaks down over the summer. Water with at least 1 inch of water a week if there is no natural rainfall. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses help to get the water deep in the soil as close to the root zone as possible.

Celandine Poppy requires no maintenance during the growing season. The flowers should be left on the plant to form seeds for local wildlife. Any spent top growth from the previous year can be removed and composted or put in municipal green waste. Divide this perennial every 3-4 years to reinvigorate the root system. Plant each new section quickly to keep the roots from drying out. 

Celandine Poppy Spacing

The mature height and spread of Celandine Poppy are pretty compact at 18 inches. Space each plant 16 inches apart on center.