Callirhoe papaver

Common Names

Woodland Poppymallow

Summary

Woodland poppymallow (Callirhoe papaver) is a perennial in the Malvaceae native to the southern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. It forms a sprawling, prostrate plant with stems up to about 4 feet long arising from a taproot, and leaves that are alternate and palmately lobed in 3–5 segments. Large, showy flowers are deep wine-red cupped blooms with creamy white stamens, about 2–3 inches across, appearing on long peduncles. In cultivation it tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers dry, well-drained sandy soils with average moisture; it is drought-tolerant once established and deer are rarely bothered. Propagation is by seed. It can function as an ornamental groundcover or spill from containers or over a wall, and it attracts bees as a primary pollinator; it serves as a larval host for the checkered-skipper (Pyrgus communis). Hardiness zones 4 through 9.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

3-4 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8A-9A

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil pH

Acidic to circum-neutral

Bloom Color

Red, Purple

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not specified

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies